Median rent is 17% lower in Murfreesboro ($1,376/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Murfreesboro, where the median home runs $365,100 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $76,241 a year). Taken together, Murfreesboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 98.8 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Murfreesboro is 2% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.5 in Murfreesboro vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Murfreesboro, TN
How much would you need to earn in Murfreesboro, TN to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Murfreesboro, TN
$73,279
You could earn $1,721 less (2% 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
Austin
Texas
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 rent is modestly lower in Murfreesboro at $1,376/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $365,100 in Murfreesboro — 29% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Tennessee have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.00% in Tennessee; Austin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Murfreesboro
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Both cities have similar air quality: Austin averages 47.0 AQI (Good) and Murfreesboro averages 48.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Murfreesboro if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,376/mo median).
Is Austin cheaper than Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Murfreesboro.
How much is rent in Austin vs Murfreesboro?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,376/mo in Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro, TN has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $76,241 in Murfreesboro, TN. Austin, TX 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?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 48.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Murfreesboro?
Both Texas and Tennessee have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Murfreesboro to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $97,705 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