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

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Murfreesboro is 52% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,376/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 61%
$76,241/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 36%
$365,100 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 186%
$1,435/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 63%
157,547
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $842/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $10,104/year.

Median household income is $27,537/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Pasadena?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $842/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Pasadena?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $27,537/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Pasadena details →

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