Is Charleston, SC cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Charleston, SC is 2.6% cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN. This translates to saving $191 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Murfreesboro, TN, you'd need approximately $147,703.818 in Charleston, SC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

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

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

Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Charleston, SC could save you approximately $191 per month, or $2296 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Murfreesboro, TN vs Charleston, SC: 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 $191/month moving to Charleston, SC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.7K in Charleston, SC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$191

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.3K

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

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$490K

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!

Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Murfreesboro, TN vs Charleston, SC

Category	Murfreesboro, TN	Charleston, SC	Difference	Change
Other	$1,873/mo	$1,691/mo	↓ $182less	9.7%
Groceries	$932/mo	$984/mo	↑ $51.75more	5.6%
Transportation	$1,239/mo	$1,265/mo	↑ $26.46more	2.1%
Housing	$2,301/mo	$2,325/mo	↑ $23.44more	1.0%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$533/mo	↑ $22.69more	4.5%
Healthcare	$596/mo	$617/mo	↑ $20.19more	3.4%

Other

↓ 9.7%

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,873

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Difference

$182

less

Groceries

↑ 5.6%

Murfreesboro, TN

$932

Charleston, SC

$984

Difference

$51.75

Transportation

↑ 2.1%

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,239

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Difference

$26.46

Housing

↑ 1.0%

Murfreesboro, TN

$2,301

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Difference

$23.44

All Utilities

↑ 4.5%

Murfreesboro, TN

$510

Charleston, SC

$533

Difference

$22.69

Healthcare

↑ 3.4%

Murfreesboro, TN

$596

Charleston, SC

$617

Difference

$20.19

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,168

To$1,831

↑ $663

1 Bed

From$1,222

To$1,915

↑ $693

2 Bed

From$1,341

To$2,100

↑ $759

3 Bed

From$1,714

To$2,610

↑ $896

Murfreesboro, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$1,640/mo

Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$2,120/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

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$37.36

Difference

Home Values

Murfreesboro

Charleston

$400K

Median Value

$490K

YoY Change

↓ -0.3%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.7%

$364K - $436K

Price Range

$295K - $1.47M

Homes in Charleston are 23% more expensive than Murfreesboro

Calculate payment - Murfreesboro Calculate payment - Charleston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$830

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.6%

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Murfreesboro, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.