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

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Downey

California
169

Murfreesboro is 38% cheaper than Downey.

$1,376/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 38%
$76,241/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 15%
$365,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 100%
$1,435/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 39%
157,547
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $6,192/year.

Median household income is $11,159/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Downey — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Downey?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Downey?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $11,159/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Downey details →

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