Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 7% more affordable than St. Paul. A $75,000 salary in St. Paul is equivalent to $69,750 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Minnesota salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Paul has a housing index of 98 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Paul costs $260,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in St. Paul versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: St. Paul scores 103 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Paul (105) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Paul is $57,718 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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