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

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Murfreesboro is 31% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,376/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 16%
$76,241/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 27%
$365,100 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 33%
$1,435/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 19%
157,547
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $20,588/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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 Columbia — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Columbia?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Columbia?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $20,588/year higher in Murfreesboro.
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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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