Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Chattanooga is 4% more affordable than Murfreesboro. A $75,000 salary in Murfreesboro is equivalent to $71,774 in Chattanooga.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chattanooga scores 94 while Murfreesboro scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) are lower than Murfreesboro (96).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chattanooga.
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