Median rent is 26% lower in Murfreesboro ($1,376/mo vs $1,861/mo). Buying is cheaper in Murfreesboro, where the median home runs $365,100 versus $646,300. Households earn more in Franklin ($115,000 vs $76,241 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (96.5).
City A
Franklin, TN
City B
Murfreesboro, TN
How much would you need to earn in Murfreesboro, TN to maintain your standard of living from Franklin, TN?
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
Tennessee
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Murfreesboro — median rent of $1,376/mo versus $1,861/mo in Franklin, a 26% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Franklin: the median home is $646,300 versus $365,100 in Murfreesboro — 44% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Tennessee and Tennessee have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 7.00% in Tennessee and 7.00% in Tennessee; Murfreesboro has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Franklin
Income tax: None
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 higher median household income ($115,000/yr).
Pick Murfreesboro if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,376/mo median).
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 $1,861/mo in Franklin, TN and $1,376/mo in Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro, TN has the lower rent by about 26%.
Which has higher salaries — Franklin or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $115,000 in Franklin, TN and $76,241 in Murfreesboro, TN. Franklin, 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 — Franklin or Murfreesboro?
Both Tennessee and Tennessee have no state income tax.
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, TN 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