Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 17% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $62,277 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Modesto has a housing index of 121 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Modesto costs $380,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Modesto versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Modesto scores 100 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Modesto (100) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Modesto is $55,138 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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