Is Cary, NC cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Cary, NC is 4.4% cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN. This translates to saving $332 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Murfreesboro, TN, you'd need approximately $146,014.124 in Cary, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Murfreesboro, TN and Cary, NC?

Housing in Cary, NC is 5.5% cheaper than in Murfreesboro, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,473/month in Cary, NC compared to $1,341/month in Murfreesboro, TN.

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

Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Cary, NC could save you approximately $332 per month, or $3986 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Murfreesboro, TN vs Cary, NC: 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 Murfreesboro, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $332/month moving to Cary, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.0K in Cary, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$332

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.0K

Per year

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

Murfreesboro, TN

Population:165K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$400K

Cary, NC

Population:180K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$514K

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!

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 180K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Murfreesboro, TN vs Cary, NC

Category	Murfreesboro, TN	Cary, NC	Difference	Change
Other	$1,873/mo	$1,672/mo	↓ $202less	10.8%
Housing	$2,301/mo	$2,175/mo	↓ $126less	5.5%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$541/mo	↑ $30.80more	6.0%
Transportation	$1,239/mo	$1,257/mo	↑ $18.37more	1.5%
Groceries	$932/mo	$949/mo	↑ $16.77more	1.8%
Healthcare	$596/mo	$595/mo	↓ $1.72less	0.3%

Other

↓ 10.8%

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,873

Cary, NC

$1,672

Difference

$202

less

Housing

↓ 5.5%

Murfreesboro, TN

$2,301

Cary, NC

$2,175

Difference

$126

less

All Utilities

↑ 6.0%

Murfreesboro, TN

$510

Cary, NC

$541

Difference

$30.80

Transportation

↑ 1.5%

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,239

Cary, NC

$1,257

Difference

$18.37

Groceries

↑ 1.8%

Murfreesboro, TN

$932

Cary, NC

$949

Difference

$16.77

Healthcare

↓ 0.3%

Murfreesboro, TN

$596

Cary, NC

$595

Difference

$1.72

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,168

To$1,281

↑ $113

1 Bed

From$1,222

To$1,344

↑ $122

2 Bed

From$1,341

To$1,473

↑ $132

3 Bed

From$1,714

To$1,847

↑ $133

Murfreesboro, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$1,640/mo

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/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.

$7,452

Monthly in Murfreesboro, TN

$7,188

Monthly in Cary, NC

$264

Difference

Home Values

Murfreesboro

Cary

$400K

Median Value

$514K

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +44%

$364K - $436K

Price Range

$481K - $548K

Homes in Cary are 29% more expensive than Murfreesboro

Calculate payment - Murfreesboro Calculate payment - Cary

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

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

Cary, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Murfreesboro, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.