Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Murfreesboro is 44% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,376/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 27%
$76,241/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 36%
$365,100 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 35%
$1,435/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 28%
157,547
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $27,705/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $27,705/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Alabama?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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