Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 9% more affordable than Raleigh. A $75,000 salary in Raleigh is equivalent to $68,382 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Raleigh scores 100 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Murfreesboro (96).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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