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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Durham and Murfreesboro have a similar cost of living.

$1,412/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 3%
$79,234/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 4%
$355,300 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 3%
$1,434/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ≈ Same
288,465
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $2,993/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 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

Durham vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Durham or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $2,993/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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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