Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Modesto is 14% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$1,609/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 14%
$77,899/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 2%
$415,600 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 12%
$1,613/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 11%
218,614
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $1,658/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Modesto or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $1,658/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Murfreesboro details →

More Comparisons

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