Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Murfreesboro is 12% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,376/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 16%
$76,241/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$76,205/yr ≈ Same
$365,100 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 8%
$1,435/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 17%
157,547
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $36/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Lowell — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Lowell?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Lowell?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $36/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Massachusetts?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Lowell details →

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