Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Phoenix is 4% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$1,458/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 6%
$77,041/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 1%
$381,900 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 4%
$1,430/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ≈ Same
1,624,832
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $800/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Phoenix or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $800/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Murfreesboro details →

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