Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Chattanooga is 23% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,155/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 19%
$61,028/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 25%
$259,200 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 41%
$1,112/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 29%
182,832
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $15,213/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $15,213/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Tennessee?
Both cities are in Tennessee and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/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 Chattanooga details → View Murfreesboro details →

More Comparisons

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