Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
St. Louis is 3% more affordable than Murfreesboro. A $75,000 salary in Murfreesboro is equivalent to $72,581 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Missouri salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Louis has a housing index of 72 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Louis costs $175,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in St. Louis versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: St. Louis scores 97 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Louis (95) are lower than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Louis is $45,782 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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