Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Murfreesboro is 54% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,376/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 74%
$76,241/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 44%
$365,100 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 189%
$1,435/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 72%
157,547
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,019/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $12,228/year.

Median household income is $33,832/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,019/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $33,832/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and California?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Costa Mesa details →

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