Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Birmingham is 41% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,047/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 31%
$44,376/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 72%
$138,600 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 163%
$991/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 45%
199,322
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $329/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,948/year.

Median household income is $31,865/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Birmingham or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $329/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $31,865/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Tennessee?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Murfreesboro details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Murfreesboro

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Murfreesboro vs. Paterson Murfreesboro vs. Alexandria Murfreesboro vs. Corona Murfreesboro vs. Macon Murfreesboro vs. Hayward Murfreesboro vs. Lakewood