Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 6% more affordable than Mesa. A $75,000 salary in Mesa is equivalent to $70,455 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Mesa has a housing index of 98 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Mesa costs $350,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $25,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,350 in Mesa versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Mesa scores 99 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Mesa (95) are lower than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Mesa is $60,234 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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