Is Murfreesboro, TN cheaper than Chattanooga, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Murfreesboro, TN is 4.2% more expensive than Chattanooga, TN. This translates to spending an extra $318 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chattanooga, TN, you'd need approximately $153,821.493 in Murfreesboro, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chattanooga, TN and Murfreesboro, TN?

Housing in Murfreesboro, TN is 8.3% more expensive than in Chattanooga, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,341/month in Murfreesboro, TN compared to $1,039/month in Chattanooga, TN.

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

Living in Murfreesboro, TN costs approximately $318 more per month than Chattanooga, TN, or $3821 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chattanooga, TN 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 Chattanooga, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $318/month more in Murfreesboro, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.8K in Murfreesboro, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$318

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.8K

Per year

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

Chattanooga, TN

Population:187K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$357K

Murfreesboro, TN

Population:165K

Cost Index:

104

(4% above avg)

Median Home:$400K

Chattanooga, TN

The Volunteer State

187K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 187K residents.

💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

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: Chattanooga, TN vs Murfreesboro, TN

Category	Chattanooga, TN	Murfreesboro, TN	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,124/mo	$2,301/mo	↑ $177more	8.3%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,873/mo	↑ $142more	8.2%
Transportation	$1,302/mo	$1,239/mo	↓ $63.31less	4.9%
All Utilities	$554/mo	$510/mo	↓ $44.57less	8.0%
Healthcare	$558/mo	$596/mo	↑ $38.22more	6.8%
Groceries	$910/mo	$932/mo	↑ $22.73more	2.5%

Housing

↑ 8.3%

Chattanooga, TN

$2,124

Murfreesboro, TN

$2,301

Difference

$177

Other

↑ 8.2%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,731

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,873

Difference

$142

Transportation

↓ 4.9%

Chattanooga, TN

$1,302

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,239

Difference

$63.31

less

All Utilities

↓ 8.0%

Chattanooga, TN

$554

Murfreesboro, TN

$510

Difference

$44.57

less

Healthcare

↑ 6.8%

Chattanooga, TN

$558

Murfreesboro, TN

$596

Difference

$38.22

Groceries

↑ 2.5%

Chattanooga, TN

$910

Murfreesboro, TN

$932

Difference

$22.73

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$902

To$1,168

↑ $266

1 Bed

From$948

To$1,222

↑ $274

2 Bed

From$1,039

To$1,341

↑ $302

3 Bed

From$1,299

To$1,714

↑ $415

Chattanooga, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,660/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.

$7,179

Monthly in Chattanooga, TN

$7,452

Monthly in Murfreesboro, TN

$273

Difference

Home Values

Chattanooga

Murfreesboro

$357K

Median Value

$400K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +35.5%

$124K - $462K

Price Range

$364K - $436K

Homes in Murfreesboro are 12% more expensive than Chattanooga

Calculate payment - Chattanooga Calculate payment - Murfreesboro

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Chattanooga, 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

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

Chattanooga, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.