Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 17% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville 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: Illinois salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Naperville has a housing index of 130 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Naperville costs $430,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $105,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Naperville versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Naperville scores 104 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Naperville (101) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Naperville is $118,254 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
Amazon affiliate links