Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Raleigh is 5% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$1,468/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 6%
$82,424/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 8%
$377,800 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 3%
$1,487/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 3%
470,763
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $6,183/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Raleigh or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $6,183/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Raleigh or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Murfreesboro details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Murfreesboro

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Murfreesboro vs. Paterson Murfreesboro vs. Alexandria Murfreesboro vs. Corona Murfreesboro vs. Macon Murfreesboro vs. Hayward Murfreesboro vs. Lakewood