Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Detroit is 4% more affordable than Murfreesboro. A $75,000 salary in Murfreesboro is equivalent to $71,774 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $260,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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