Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Winston-Salem is 32% cheaper than Murfreesboro.

$1,033/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↑ 33%
$57,673/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 32%
$208,200 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 75%
$1,040/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 38%
250,887
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $18,568/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $18,568/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Tennessee?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/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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