Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 3% more affordable than Houston. A $75,000 salary in Houston is equivalent to $72,656 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Houston scores 94 while Murfreesboro scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) match Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
Amazon affiliate links