Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Des Moines is 33% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,054/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 31%
$63,966/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 19%
$183,700 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 99%
$1,137/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 26%
212,464
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $12,275/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Des Moines or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $12,275/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Tennessee?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Murfreesboro details →

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