A-
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
35%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Murfreesboro Tennessee National
Cost of living10992100
Groceries9898100
Health care9697100
Housing13580100
Transportation9997100
Utilities10198100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9297100
Household Items10198100
Education & Childcare10097100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Murfreesboro, TN

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Murfreesboro is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Murfreesboro is 109, which is 9% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

In Murfreesboro, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Murfreesboro will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

When it comes to the cost of living in Murfreesboro, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 35.1% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Murfreesboro?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 13 residents in Murfreesboro to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 23% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 77% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Murfreesboro Affordable?

Wondering if Murfreesboro is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Murfreesboro, for example, the median home price is 43.7% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 15.2% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Murfreesboro boasting a median household income of $90,378, which is 11.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Murfreesboro?

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Murfreesboro, the groceries index is 2.3% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Murfreesboro are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Murfreesboro is 18% higher than the Tennessee average
  • The cost of living in Murfreesboro is 9% higher than the national average
  • Murfreesboro housing is 35% higher than the national average
  • Tennessee general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Tennessee state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Murfreesboro

See all the best places to live around Murfreesboro

Compare Murfreesboro, TN Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$136,754$11,396$3,191$4,103
      Renters$66,413$5,534$1,550$1,993
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Murfreesboro, TN, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Murfreesboro homeowners, is $136,754. This would allow for a maximum of $3,191 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $66,413 which would result in a maximum of $1,550 to be spent on rental costs.

      Tennessee Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Tennessee 7% 9.75%

      Tennessee Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Tennessee 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      La Vergne, TN36,4261022.0%
      Smyrna, TN52,8021033.0%
      Eagleville, TN9791054.8%
      Walterhill, TN1621066.3%
      Christiana, TN4,80811110.7%
      Murfreesboro, TN146,1031099.1%

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      Fullerton, CA146,10317575.2%
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      Dayton, OH145,9278217.9%
      Kelowna, BC145,612n/a 
      Pasadena, CA146,62819797.1%
      Murfreesboro, TN146,1031099.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.