Moving from Clarksville, TN to Richmond, VA
Relocating 659 mi from Clarksville to Richmond is a 12h 13m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
659 mi · 12h 13m by car · VA → TN
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 40, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clarksville | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.947 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.546 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.801 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Richmond runs about 7.6% more expensive overall than Clarksville — RPP 90.947 → 97.858.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Richmond run about 7.6% pricier — ZHVI $318,206 → $369,646 (2026-03).
YoY change: Clarksville -0.4%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Clarksville | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.5" | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.5" | 45.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 59.2°F vs 58.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 8.8 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clarksville | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 171,897 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $66,786 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.9% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.65 | 2.23 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.6% lower in Richmond than Clarksville.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Clarksville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 96,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Clarksville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $318,206 in Clarksville — a 16.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Richmond more expensive than Clarksville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 7.6% higher than Clarksville (97.858 vs 90.947, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Clarksville and Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Richmond vs 59.2°F in Clarksville (0.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 8.8 in vs 0.5 in. Annual precipitation: 45.5 in vs 53.5 in.
How far is Richmond, VA from Clarksville, TN?
The driving distance is 659 mi and the route typically takes 12h 13m via I 81 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Clarksville vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $66,786 in Clarksville — a 6.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Clarksville to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 659 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clarksville.
City profiles: Clarksville, TN · Richmond, VA.