Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 15% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $63,409 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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