Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Salem and Murfreesboro have a similar cost of living.

$1,323/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 4%
$71,900/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 6%
$382,400 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 5%
$1,440/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ≈ Same
176,666
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $4,341/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Salem or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $4,341/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Tennessee?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 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.
View Salem details → View Murfreesboro details →

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