Is Chattanooga, TN cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Chattanooga, TN is 4.1% cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN. This translates to saving $305 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Murfreesboro, TN, you'd need approximately $146,334.162 in Chattanooga, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chattanooga, TN is 7.7% cheaper than in Murfreesboro, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,039/month in Chattanooga, TN compared to $1,341/month in Murfreesboro, TN.

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

Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Chattanooga, TN could save you approximately $305 per month, or $3666 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Murfreesboro, TN vs Chattanooga, TN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

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 $305/month moving to Chattanooga, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.3K in Chattanooga, TN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$305

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.7K

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

Chattanooga, TN

Population:187K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$357K

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!

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Murfreesboro, TN vs Chattanooga, TN

Category	Murfreesboro, TN	Chattanooga, TN	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,301/mo	$2,124/mo	↓ $177less	7.7%
Other	$1,873/mo	$1,731/mo	↓ $142less	7.6%
Transportation	$1,239/mo	$1,302/mo	↑ $63.31more	5.1%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$554/mo	↑ $44.57more	8.7%
Healthcare	$596/mo	$558/mo	↓ $38.22less	6.4%
Groceries	$932/mo	$910/mo	↓ $22.73less	2.4%

Housing

↓ 7.7%

Murfreesboro, TN

$2,301

Chattanooga, TN

$2,124

Difference

$177

less

Other

↓ 7.6%

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,873

Chattanooga, TN

$1,731

Difference

$142

less

Transportation

↑ 5.1%

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,239

Chattanooga, TN

$1,302

Difference

$63.31

All Utilities

↑ 8.7%

Murfreesboro, TN

$510

Chattanooga, TN

$554

Difference

$44.57

Healthcare

↓ 6.4%

Murfreesboro, TN

$596

Chattanooga, TN

$558

Difference

$38.22

less

Groceries

↓ 2.4%

Murfreesboro, TN

$932

Chattanooga, TN

$910

Difference

$22.73

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,168

To$902

↓ $266

1 Bed

From$1,222

To$948

↓ $274

2 Bed

From$1,341

To$1,039

↓ $302

3 Bed

From$1,714

To$1,299

↓ $415

Murfreesboro, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$1,640/mo

Chattanooga, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,660/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

$7,179

Monthly in Chattanooga, TN

$273

Difference

Home Values

Murfreesboro

Chattanooga

$400K

Median Value

$357K

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$364K - $436K

Price Range

$124K - $462K

Homes in Chattanooga are 11% less expensive than Murfreesboro

Calculate payment - Murfreesboro Calculate payment - Chattanooga

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Murfreesboro, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

Chattanooga, 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.