Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Hayward is 95% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$2,360/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 42%
$113,775/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 33%
$820,700 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 56%
$2,420/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 41%
159,201
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $984/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $11,808/year.

Median household income is $37,534/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Hayward or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $984/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $37,534/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/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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