Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Murfreesboro is 62% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,376/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 33%
$76,241/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 11%
$365,100 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 51%
$1,435/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 24%
157,547
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $451/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $5,412/year.

Median household income is $8,382/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $451/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $8,382/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Iowa?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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