Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
42% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 42% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $43,594 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. San Diego has a housing index of 248 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in San Diego costs $800,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $475,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,500 in San Diego versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Diego scores 107 while Murfreesboro scores 95.
Healthcare costs in San Diego (107) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Diego is $79,646 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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