Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Lexington is 22% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,101/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 25%
$67,631/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 13%
$272,100 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 34%
$1,160/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 24%
321,122
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $8,610/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Lexington or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $8,610/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Tennessee?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Murfreesboro details →

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