Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
39% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 39% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $45,888 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: District of Columbia salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Washington has a housing index of 226 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Washington costs $580,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Washington versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Washington scores 108 while Murfreesboro scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Washington (105) are higher than Murfreesboro (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Washington is $90,842 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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