Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Murfreesboro is 18% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,376/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 19%
$76,241/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 18%
$365,100 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 28%
$1,435/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 18%
157,547
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $13,797/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Charleston — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Charleston?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Charleston?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $13,797/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and South Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Charleston details →

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