Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Mesa and Murfreesboro have a similar cost of living.

$1,478/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 7%
$78,779/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 3%
$364,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$365,100 ≈ Same
$1,404/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 2%
507,478
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $102/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $1,224/year.

Median household income is $2,538/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Mesa or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $102/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $2,538/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Murfreesboro details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Murfreesboro

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Murfreesboro vs. Paterson Murfreesboro vs. Alexandria Murfreesboro vs. Corona Murfreesboro vs. Macon Murfreesboro vs. Hayward Murfreesboro vs. Lakewood