Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Murfreesboro is 21% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,376/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 8%
$76,241/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 3%
$365,100 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 29%
$1,435/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 13%
157,547
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $2,188/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $2,188/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Michigan?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,267/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Sterling Heights details →

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