Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 3% more affordable than Arlington. A $75,000 salary in Arlington is equivalent to $72,656 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Arlington has a housing index of 86 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Arlington costs $260,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Arlington versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Arlington scores 96 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Arlington (100) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Arlington is $60,138 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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