Median rent is 27% lower in Murfreesboro ($1,376/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Murfreesboro, where the median home runs $365,100 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $76,241 a year). Taken together, Murfreesboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 113.3 — about 15% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Murfreesboro, TN.
Quick verdict
Murfreesboro is 15% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.5 in Murfreesboro vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Murfreesboro, TN
How much would you need to earn in Murfreesboro, TN to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Murfreesboro, TN
$63,902
You could earn $11,098 less (15% 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
Los Angeles
California
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 $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 27% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $365,100 in Murfreesboro — 58% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Murfreesboro a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.00% in Tennessee; Murfreesboro has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Murfreesboro
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Murfreesboro has cleaner air on average: 48.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Murfreesboro if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.5 vs 113.3).
Pick Murfreesboro if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,376/mo median).
Pick Murfreesboro if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 48.0).
Pick Murfreesboro if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Murfreesboro?
Murfreesboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Murfreesboro.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Murfreesboro?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,376/mo in Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro, TN has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Murfreesboro?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $76,241 in Murfreesboro, TN. Los Angeles, CA 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?
Murfreesboro, TN has better air quality on average: 48.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Murfreesboro?
Tennessee has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Murfreesboro to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $85,203 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