Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 12% more affordable than Boise. A $75,000 salary in Boise is equivalent to $65,802 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Idaho salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boise has a housing index of 118 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $95,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boise scores 99 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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