Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Murfreesboro is 110% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,376/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 37%
$76,241/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 43%
$365,100 ↑ 292%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 74%
$1,435/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 42%
157,547
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $32,787/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Dayton — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Dayton?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Dayton?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $32,787/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Ohio?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Dayton details →

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