Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Boston is 68% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$2,093/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 34%
$94,755/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 20%
$710,400 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 49%
$2,176/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 34%
663,972
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $717/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $8,604/year.

Median household income is $18,514/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Boston or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $717/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $18,514/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Tennessee?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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