Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Murfreesboro is 26% more affordable than Worcester. A $75,000 salary in Worcester is equivalent to $55,800 in Murfreesboro.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Worcester has a housing index of 152 while Murfreesboro sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Worcester costs $340,000 compared to $325,000 in Murfreesboro, a difference of $15,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Worcester versus $1,350 in Murfreesboro.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Worcester scores 106 while Murfreesboro scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Worcester (115) are higher than Murfreesboro (96).
Median household income in Worcester is $52,228 compared to $55,200 in Murfreesboro. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Murfreesboro.
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