Moving from St. Paul, MN to Clarksville, TN
Relocating 809 mi from St. Paul to Clarksville is a 15h 4m drive through 5 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.
809 mi Β· 15h 4m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β KY β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β KY β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, US 51, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, Madison, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | Clarksville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 90.947 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 72.546 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 73.801 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 13.2% cheaper overall in Clarksville than St. Paul on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Clarksville -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 53.5" |
Expect 12.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Clarksville β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 171,897 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $66,786 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.65 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 13.2% lower in Clarksville than St. Paul.
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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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.
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 warmer climate (12.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
How far is Clarksville, TN from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 809 mi and the route typically takes 15h 4m via I 94 and US 51. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Clarksville compare to St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA, on total employment of 96,210 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Clarksville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 809 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Clarksville more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clarksville is 13.2% lower than St. Paul (90.947 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in St. Paul vs Clarksville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,786 in Clarksville vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 8.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Clarksville, TN.