Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Independence, MO (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Murfreesboro is 57% more expensive than Independence.

$1,376/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 23%
$76,241/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 22%
$365,100 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 54%
$1,435/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 27%
157,547
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $16,761/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Independence — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Independence?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Independence?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $16,761/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Missouri?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Independence details →

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