Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 18% more affordable than Stockton. A $75,000 salary in Stockton is equivalent to $61,184 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. Stockton has a housing index of 126 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Stockton costs $400,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Stockton versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Stockton scores 101 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Stockton (101) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Stockton is $54,658 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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