CostOfCity
Tennessee · SouthAffordable CityUpdated March 2026

Cost of Living & Services in Murfreesboro, TN

Detailed cost data for 38 topics across 6 categories — from rent and groceries to business startup costs and professional salaries.

Cost Index
92
8% below national average
100 = national baseline
153K
Population
$56K
Median Income
$1,908/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$4,426/mo
Living Cost (Single)
✍️ Reviewed by Rachel Goldstein, Regional Cost Specialist📅 Last verified: March 2026
BLSCensusHUD

Living in Murfreesboro: The Full Picture

Planning a move to Murfreesboro or benchmarking your current costs? This page covers every metric we track for this TN smaller city — from roof replacements and HVAC work to insurance premiums and professional salaries. At a cost index of 92, you'll find prices below the national average across most categories. The subtropical climate keeps construction crews working year-round, which helps with scheduling but doesn't reduce labor costs.

💼 Economy

Murfreesboro has a business-friendly economy where low taxes and moderate regulations attract steady investment

🏠 Housing

The housing market features a housing market that mostly tracks national trends, with surprises in specific neighborhoods

🌤️ Climate & Lifestyle

The subtropical climate keeps construction crews working year-round, which helps with scheduling but doesn't reduce labor costs.. The lifestyle here is characterized by A warm-weather lifestyle that includes year-round outdoor activities, from fishing to football tailgates..

💡 The Bottom Line

Murfreesboro is genuinely affordable by American standards. A cost index of 92 translates to real, material savings on housing, services, and daily expenses compared to most metro areas.

Monthly Budget Estimates for Murfreesboro

What it actually costs to live in Murfreesboro each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.

LifestyleSingle PersonCoupleFamily of 4
🟡Tight / Frugal$2,000/mo$3,500/mo$4,600/mo
🟢Comfortable$3,200/mo$5,350/mo$6,900/mo
🟣Generous$5,050/mo$8,300/mo$11,050/mo

Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Murfreesboro's cost index of 92 applied to national spending surveys.

🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation

Smart residents of Murfreesboro know that the metro-wide cost index of 92 masks real diversity. Areas near major employers, university districts, and gentrifying neighborhoods each have their own pricing dynamics. Even the 'expensive' parts of town are reasonable by national standards.

How Affordable Is Murfreesboro?

Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.

Grades: A+/A = very affordable · B = average · C/D = expensive · For salaries, higher = better

🏠 Home Services in Murfreesboro

What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels

💼 Business Startup Costs in Murfreesboro

Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital

📊 Cost of Living in Murfreesboro

Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities

🛡️ Insurance in Murfreesboro

Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories

💰 Salaries & Jobs in Murfreesboro

Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization

Is Murfreesboro Right For You?

✅ Best For

  • Outdoor enthusiasts
  • Families seeking work-life balance
  • Small business founders
  • First-time homebuyers

⚠️ Not Ideal For

  • Those seeking big-city nightlife
  • Workers in niche industries with few local employers
💬 Expert Tip

Research Murfreesboro's neighborhoods carefully — costs can vary by 20-40% within the metro area. The most popular areas are affordable enough that location flexibility is a real advantage.

How Does Murfreesboro Compare?

Pick a nearby city and see the full cost comparison across all 38 topics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Murfreesboro

What is the median household income in Murfreesboro?

The median household income in Murfreesboro is approximately $56,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 92), this goes further than in many US cities.

Is Murfreesboro a good place to start a business?

Murfreesboro's business environment is shaped by TN's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Below-average operating costs give businesses more runway to reach profitability. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.

Is Murfreesboro, TN expensive to live in?

Murfreesboro's cost of living index is 92, which is 8% below the national average of 100. Murfreesboro is close to the national average in cost.

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