Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Chicago is 5% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,380/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ≈ Same
$75,134/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 1%
$315,200 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 16%
$1,502/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 4%
2,707,648
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,107/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Chicago or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $1,107/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Tennessee?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Murfreesboro details →

More Comparisons

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