Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 15% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $63,991 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Plano has a housing index of 123 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Plano costs $400,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Plano versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Plano scores 98 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Plano (100) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Plano is $96,348 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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