Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Athens, GA (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Murfreesboro is 27% more expensive than Athens.

$1,376/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 16%
$76,241/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 32%
$365,100 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 26%
$1,435/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 19%
157,547
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $24,586/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Athens — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Athens?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Athens?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $24,586/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Georgia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Athens details →

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