Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 12% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $65,802 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Madison scores 101 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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