Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Santa Ana is 55% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$1,975/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 30%
$88,354/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 14%
$657,800 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 44%
$1,965/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 27%
311,639
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $599/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $7,188/year.

Median household income is $12,113/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $599/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $12,113/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Murfreesboro details →

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