Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Murfreesboro is 17% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,376/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 8%
$76,241/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 16%
$365,100 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 31%
$1,435/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 5%
157,547
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $12,075/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Elgin — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Elgin?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Elgin?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $12,075/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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