Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Murfreesboro is 48% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,376/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 20%
$76,241/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 18%
$365,100 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 51%
$1,435/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 22%
157,547
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $13,521/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Abilene — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Abilene?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Abilene?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $13,521/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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Murfreesboro vs. Paterson Murfreesboro vs. Alexandria Murfreesboro vs. Corona Murfreesboro vs. Macon Murfreesboro vs. Hayward Murfreesboro vs. Lakewood Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland