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

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Murfreesboro is 19% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,376/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 10%
$76,241/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 15%
$365,100 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 32%
$1,435/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 3%
157,547
Population
149,785

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $11,785/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Joliet — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Joliet?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Joliet?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $11,785/year higher in Joliet.
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 Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Joliet details →

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