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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Louisville is 30% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,069/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 29%
$64,731/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 18%
$221,500 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 65%
$1,118/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 28%
627,210
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $11,510/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 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

Louisville vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Louisville or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $11,510/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 Louisville or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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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