Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 13% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $65,187 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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