Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Tempe is 14% more expensive than Murfreesboro.

$1,623/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 15%
$77,643/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↓ 2%
$421,900 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$365,100 ↓ 13%
$1,554/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 8%
186,419
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Murfreesboro, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $1,402/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Tempe or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murfreesboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $1,402/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Tennessee?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Murfreesboro details →

More Comparisons

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