Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 27% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $54,492 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Riverside has a housing index of 155 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Riverside costs $500,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Riverside versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Riverside scores 103 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Riverside (102) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Riverside is $67,068 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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