Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Norfolk is 15% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,246/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 10%
$64,017/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 19%
$271,900 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 34%
$1,366/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 5%
235,037
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $12,224/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Norfolk or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $12,224/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Tennessee?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Murfreesboro has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,376/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Murfreesboro details →

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