Median rent is 23% lower in Murfreesboro ($1,376/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Murfreesboro, where the median home runs $365,100 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $76,241 a year). Taken together, Murfreesboro is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 113.0 — 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 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Murfreesboro, TN
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Murfreesboro, TN?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$87,776
You'd need $12,776 more (17% higher).
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
Murfreesboro
Tennessee
New York
New York
👥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 $1,779/mo in New York, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $365,100 in Murfreesboro — 51% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Murfreesboro a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Tennessee and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Murfreesboro
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Murfreesboro has cleaner air on average: 48.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 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 113.0).
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 Murfreesboro cheaper than New York?
Murfreesboro is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Murfreesboro.
How much is rent in Murfreesboro vs New York?
Median rent is $1,376/mo in Murfreesboro, TN and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Murfreesboro, TN has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Murfreesboro or New York?
Median household income is $76,241 in Murfreesboro, TN and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Murfreesboro or New York?
Tennessee has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Murfreesboro income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Murfreesboro, TN is equivalent to roughly $117,034 in New York, NY (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