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

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Murfreesboro is 23% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,376/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 34%
$76,241/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 11%
$365,100 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 31%
$1,435/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 25%
157,547
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $466/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $5,592/year.

Median household income is $8,376/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $466/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $8,376/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Santa Maria details →

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