Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

St. Louis is 37% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$978/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 41%
$55,279/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 38%
$185,100 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 97%
$1,013/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 42%
293,109
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $20,962/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is St. Louis or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $20,962/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Tennessee?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% 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 St. Louis or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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.
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