Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 28% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $53,654 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 168 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $480,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Portland versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 105 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Portland (108) are higher than Murfreesboro (96).
Median household income in Portland is $71,005 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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