Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Cary is 29% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$1,621/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 15%
$129,399/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 41%
$525,200 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 30%
$1,744/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 18%
176,686
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $53,158/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Cary or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $53,158/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Cary or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Murfreesboro details →

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