Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Murfreesboro, TN (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Murfreesboro

Tennessee
105

Worcester and Murfreesboro have a similar cost of living.

$1,415/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,376/mo ↓ 3%
$67,544/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$76,241/yr ↑ 13%
$339,500 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$365,100 ↑ 8%
$1,521/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 6%
205,501
Population
157,547

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Murfreesboro, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,697/year higher in Murfreesboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $365,100 in Murfreesboro.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Murfreesboro residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Murfreesboro — common questions

Is Worcester or Murfreesboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Murfreesboro?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Murfreesboro it's $1,376/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $76,241 in Murfreesboro. Median household income is $8,697/year higher in Murfreesboro.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Tennessee?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Murfreesboro?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Murfreesboro details →

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