Median rent is 0% lower in Murfreesboro ($1,376/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $365,100. Households earn more in Murfreesboro ($76,241 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Murfreesboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 105.7 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Murfreesboro, TN.
Quick verdict
Murfreesboro is 9% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.5 in Murfreesboro vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Murfreesboro, TN
How much would you need to earn in Murfreesboro, TN to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Murfreesboro, TN
$68,498
You could earn $6,502 less (9% 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
Chicago
Illinois
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: $1,380/mo in Chicago and $1,376/mo in Murfreesboro. Median home values are within 14% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago 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 Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Murfreesboro a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 7.00% in Tennessee; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Murfreesboro
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 48.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Murfreesboro if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.5 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Pick Murfreesboro if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Murfreesboro.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Murfreesboro?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,376/mo in Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro, TN has the lower rent by about 0%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL 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?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 48.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Murfreesboro?
Tennessee has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Murfreesboro to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $91,331 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