Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Murfreesboro is 81% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,376/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 31%
$76,241/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 27%
$365,100 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 64%
$1,435/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 35%
157,547
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $20,339/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Topeka — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Topeka?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $429/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Topeka?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $20,339/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Kansas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Murfreesboro and Topeka

Murfreesboro vs. Paterson Murfreesboro vs. Alexandria Murfreesboro vs. Corona Murfreesboro vs. Macon Murfreesboro vs. Hayward Murfreesboro vs. Lakewood Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks