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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Fayetteville is 30% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,179/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 17%
$56,395/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 35%
$171,900 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 112%
$1,156/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 24%
209,692
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $19,846/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 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

Fayetteville vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $197/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $19,846/year higher in Murfreesboro.
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 Fayetteville or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/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 Fayetteville details → View Murfreesboro details →

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