Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Murfreesboro is 17% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,376/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 39%
$76,241/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 22%
$365,100 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 8%
$1,435/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 11%
157,547
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $17,130/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Surprise — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Surprise?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Surprise?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $17,130/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Arizona?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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