Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 12% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $65,802 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Tempe has a housing index of 114 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Tempe costs $400,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Tempe versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Tempe scores 100 while Murfreesboro scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Tempe (95) are lower than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Tempe is $56,068 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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