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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

San Jose is 142% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$2,617/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 47%
$141,565/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 46%
$1,187,800 ↑ 225%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 69%
$2,775/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 48%
990,054
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,241/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $14,892/year.

Median household income is $65,324/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is San Jose or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $1,241/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $65,324/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Murfreesboro details →

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