Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Knoxville is 30% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,116/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 23%
$50,994/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 50%
$214,000 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 71%
$1,075/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 33%
193,721
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $25,247/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Knoxville or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $25,247/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Tennessee?
Both cities are in Tennessee and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/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 Knoxville details → View Murfreesboro details →

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