Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Philadelphia is 19% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,323/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 4%
$60,698/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 26%
$232,400 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 57%
$1,233/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 16%
1,582,432
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $15,543/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $15,543/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Tennessee?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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