Median rent is 5% lower in Albany ($1,311/mo vs $1,376/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albany, where the median home runs $352,900 versus $365,100. Households earn more in Murfreesboro ($76,241 vs $73,809 a year). Taken together, Murfreesboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 96.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Murfreesboro, TN.
City A
Albany, OR
City B
Murfreesboro, TN
How much would you need to earn in Murfreesboro, TN to maintain your standard of living from Albany, OR?
Equivalent salary in Murfreesboro, TN
$74,969
You could earn $31 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Albany
Oregon
Murfreesboro
Tennessee
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,311/mo in Albany and $1,376/mo in Murfreesboro. Median home values are within 3% of each other: $352,900 in Albany and $365,100 in Murfreesboro.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while Oregon tops out at 9.90% — giving Murfreesboro a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 0.00% in Oregon and 7.00% in Tennessee; Albany has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albany
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Murfreesboro
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Air quality data is available for Murfreesboro (avg AQI 48.0) but not yet for Albany.
Pick Murfreesboro if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Albany cheaper than Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 96.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Murfreesboro.
How much is rent in Albany vs Murfreesboro?
Median rent is $1,311/mo in Albany, OR and $1,376/mo in Murfreesboro, TN. Albany, OR has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Albany or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $73,809 in Albany, OR and $76,241 in Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro, TN has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Albany or Murfreesboro?
Tennessee has no state income tax. Oregon has a top rate of 9.90%.
What salary do I need in Murfreesboro to match my Albany income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albany, OR is equivalent to roughly $99,959 in Murfreesboro, TN (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology