Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Huntsville is 26% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,078/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 28%
$70,778/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 8%
$263,100 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 39%
$1,046/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 37%
218,814
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $5,463/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Huntsville or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $5,463/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Tennessee?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Murfreesboro details →

More Comparisons

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