Cost of Living: Murfreesboro, TN vs Waco, TX (2026)

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Murfreesboro is 46% more expensive than Waco.

$1,376/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 20%
$76,241/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 32%
$365,100 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 45%
$1,435/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 24%
157,547
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Murfreesboro, TN and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $24,773/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Murfreesboro is $365,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Murfreesboro vs Waco — common questions

Is Murfreesboro or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Murfreesboro and Waco?
Median rent in Murfreesboro is $1,376/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Murfreesboro or Waco?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $24,773/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Murfreesboro or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,376/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Murfreesboro details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Murfreesboro and Waco

Murfreesboro vs. Paterson Murfreesboro vs. Alexandria Murfreesboro vs. Corona Murfreesboro vs. Macon Murfreesboro vs. Hayward Murfreesboro vs. Lakewood Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange