Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 12% more affordable than Philadelphia. A $75,000 salary in Philadelphia 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: Pennsylvania salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Philadelphia scores 104 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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