Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 6% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk 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: Virginia salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Norfolk has a housing index of 95 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Norfolk costs $250,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Norfolk versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Norfolk scores 99 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Norfolk (99) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Norfolk is $51,938 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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