Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 10% more affordable than Richmond. A $75,000 salary in Richmond is equivalent to $67,718 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. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $25,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Richmond scores 100 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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