Moving from Palm Bay, FL to Clarksville, TN
Relocating 798 mi from Palm Bay to Clarksville is a 14h 58m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
798 mi Β· 14h 58m by car Β· TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, GA 540, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palm Bay | Clarksville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.005 | 90.947 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.064 | 72.546 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.731 | 73.801 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.1% moving from Palm Bay to Clarksville β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Clarksville run about 9.1% pricier β ZHVI $302,461 β $318,206 (2026-03).
YoY change: Palm Bay -4.0%, Clarksville -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palm Bay | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 53.5" |
Expect 13.4Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Clarksville sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PALM BAY, FL US, CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palm Bay | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,273 | 171,897 |
| Median household income | $67,521 | $66,786 |
| Median age | 41.3 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.4% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.65 |
Household income lines up β $67,521 vs $66,786 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clarksville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,310 | $37,690 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,100 | $27,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,880 | $30,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,830 | $37,170 |
| Production Occupations | 8,750 | $43,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Florida and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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-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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Clarksville averages 53.5 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.4Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Palm Bay to Clarksville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 798 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Palm Bay vs Clarksville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,786 in Clarksville vs $67,521 in Palm Bay β a 1.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Clarksville compare to Palm Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA vs $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA, on total employment of 96,210 and 236,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Clarksville compared to Palm Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $318,206 in Clarksville vs $302,461 in Palm Bay β a 5.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Clarksville more expensive than Palm Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clarksville is 9.1% lower than Palm Bay (90.947 vs 100.005, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Clarksville, TN from Palm Bay, FL?
The driving distance is 798 mi and the route typically takes 14h 58m via I 75 and GA 540. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Palm Bay.
City profiles: Palm Bay, FL Β· Clarksville, TN.