Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Austin is 28% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$1,655/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 17%
$91,461/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 17%
$512,700 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 29%
$1,747/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 18%
967,862
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $15,220/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Austin or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $15,220/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Murfreesboro details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Austin and Murfreesboro

Austin vs. San Jose Austin vs. Jacksonville Austin vs. Dallas Austin vs. Fort Worth Austin vs. San Diego Austin vs. Columbus Murfreesboro vs. Paterson Murfreesboro vs. Alexandria Murfreesboro vs. Corona Murfreesboro vs. Macon Murfreesboro vs. Hayward Murfreesboro vs. Lakewood