Is Murfreesboro, TN cheaper than Charleston, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Murfreesboro, TN is 2.6% more expensive than Charleston, SC. This translates to spending an extra $196 per month.

What salary do I need in Murfreesboro, TN to live like I do in Charleston, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Charleston, SC, you'd need approximately $152,356.298 in Murfreesboro, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Charleston, SC and Murfreesboro, TN?

Housing in Murfreesboro, TN is 1.0% cheaper than in Charleston, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,341/month in Murfreesboro, TN compared to $2,100/month in Charleston, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Charleston, SC to Murfreesboro, TN?

Living in Murfreesboro, TN costs approximately $196 more per month than Charleston, SC, or $2356 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Charleston, SC vs Murfreesboro, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Charleston, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $196/month more in Murfreesboro, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.4K in Murfreesboro, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Charleston-North Charleston, SC area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$196

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$490K

Murfreesboro, TN

Population:165K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$400K

Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 155K residents.

Murfreesboro, TN

The Volunteer State

165K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 165K residents.

💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Charleston, SC vs Murfreesboro, TN

Category	Charleston, SC	Murfreesboro, TN	Difference	Change
Other	$1,691/mo	$1,873/mo	↑ $182more	10.8%
Groceries	$984/mo	$932/mo	↓ $51.75less	5.3%
Transportation	$1,265/mo	$1,239/mo	↓ $26.46less	2.1%
Housing	$2,325/mo	$2,301/mo	↓ $23.44less	1.0%
All Utilities	$533/mo	$510/mo	↓ $22.69less	4.3%
Healthcare	$617/mo	$596/mo	↓ $20.19less	3.3%

Other

↑ 10.8%

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,873

Difference

$182

Groceries

↓ 5.3%

Charleston, SC

$984

Murfreesboro, TN

$932

Difference

$51.75

less

Transportation

↓ 2.1%

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,239

Difference

$26.46

less

Housing

↓ 1.0%

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Murfreesboro, TN

$2,301

Difference

$23.44

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.3%

Charleston, SC

$533

Murfreesboro, TN

$510

Difference

$22.69

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.3%

Charleston, SC

$617

Murfreesboro, TN

$596

Difference

$20.19

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,831

To$1,168

↓ $663

1 Bed

From$1,915

To$1,222

↓ $693

2 Bed

From$2,100

To$1,341

↓ $759

3 Bed

From$2,610

To$1,714

↓ $896

Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$2,120/mo

Murfreesboro, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$1,640/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$7,452

Monthly in Murfreesboro, TN

$37.36

Difference

Home Values

Charleston

Murfreesboro

$490K

Median Value

$400K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↑ +55.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +35.5%

$295K - $1.47M

Price Range

$364K - $436K

Homes in Murfreesboro are 18% less expensive than Charleston

Calculate payment - Charleston Calculate payment - Murfreesboro

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$830

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.6%

Rate difference

Charleston, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

Murfreesboro, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Murfreesboro, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.