Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Montgomery is 39% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,059/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 30%
$55,687/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 37%
$148,500 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 146%
$1,023/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 40%
198,440
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $20,554/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Montgomery or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $20,554/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Tennessee?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Murfreesboro details →

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