Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Houston is 16% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,313/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 5%
$62,894/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 21%
$253,400 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 44%
$1,316/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 9%
2,300,419
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $13,347/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Houston or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $13,347/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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