Median rent is 18% lower in Franklin ($1,127/mo vs $1,376/mo). Buying is cheaper in Franklin, where the median home runs $212,500 versus $365,100. Households earn more in Franklin ($77,305 vs $76,241 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (96.5).
City A
Franklin, IN
City B
Murfreesboro, TN
How much would you need to earn in Murfreesboro, TN to maintain your standard of living from Franklin, IN?
Equivalent salary in Murfreesboro, TN
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Franklin
Indiana
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 Franklin at $1,127/mo compared to $1,376/mo in Murfreesboro (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Murfreesboro: the median home is $365,100 versus $212,500 in Franklin — 42% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while Indiana tops out at 3.05% — giving Murfreesboro a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Indiana and 7.00% in Tennessee; Murfreesboro has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Franklin
Income tax: 3.05%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Murfreesboro
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Air quality data is available for Murfreesboro (avg AQI 48.0) but not yet for Franklin.
Pick Franklin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,127/mo median).
Pick Murfreesboro if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Franklin cheaper than Murfreesboro?
Franklin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 96.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Franklin.
How much is rent in Franklin vs Murfreesboro?
Median rent is $1,127/mo in Franklin, IN and $1,376/mo in Murfreesboro, TN. Franklin, IN has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Franklin or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $77,305 in Franklin, IN and $76,241 in Murfreesboro, TN. Franklin, IN 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 — Franklin or Murfreesboro?
Tennessee has no state income tax. Indiana has a top rate of 3.05%.
What salary do I need in Murfreesboro to match my Franklin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Franklin, IN is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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