Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

San Diego is 88% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$2,223/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 38%
$104,321/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 27%
$848,500 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 57%
$2,308/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 38%
1,385,061
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $28,080/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is San Diego or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $847/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $28,080/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Tennessee?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Murfreesboro details →

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