Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Arlington is 93% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$2,275/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 40%
$140,160/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 46%
$864,800 ↑ 137%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 58%
$2,414/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 41%
235,463
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $899/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $10,788/year.

Median household income is $63,919/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Arlington or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $899/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $63,919/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Tennessee?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,376/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Murfreesboro details →

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