Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Madison and Murfreesboro have a similar cost of living.

$1,364/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ≈ Same
$76,983/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$76,241/yr ≈ Same
$346,900 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 5%
$1,476/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 3%
275,568
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $742/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Madison or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $742/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Tennessee?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Murfreesboro details →

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