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

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Murfreesboro is 72% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,376/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 31%
$76,241/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 14%
$365,100 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 57%
$1,435/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 32%
157,547
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $431/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,172/year.

Median household income is $10,704/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Springfield — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Springfield?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $431/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Springfield?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $10,704/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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Springfield details →

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