Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 8% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $69,059 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Durham scores 100 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Murfreesboro (96).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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