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

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Murfreesboro is 84% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,376/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 31%
$76,241/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 30%
$365,100 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 67%
$1,435/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 34%
157,547
Population
147,649

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $422/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,064/year.

Median household income is $22,913/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Rockford — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Rockford?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $422/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Rockford?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $22,913/year higher in Murfreesboro.
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 Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Rockford details →

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