Is Knoxville, TN cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Knoxville, TN is 4.8% cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN. This translates to saving $362 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Murfreesboro, TN, you'd need approximately $145,657.982 in Knoxville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Knoxville, TN is 3.3% more expensive than in Murfreesboro, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,495/month in Knoxville, TN compared to $1,341/month in Murfreesboro, TN.

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

Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Knoxville, TN could save you approximately $362 per month, or $4342 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Murfreesboro, TN vs Knoxville, 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 $362/month moving to Knoxville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.7K in Knoxville, TN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$362

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.3K

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

Knoxville, TN

Population:198K

Cost Index:

(5% below avg)

Median Home:$369K

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!

Knoxville, TN

The Volunteer State

198K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 198K residents.

💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Murfreesboro, TN vs Knoxville, TN

Category	Murfreesboro, TN	Knoxville, TN	Difference	Change
Other	$1,873/mo	$1,668/mo	↓ $205less	10.9%
Housing	$2,301/mo	$2,378/mo	↑ $76.92more	3.3%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$468/mo	↓ $41.49less	8.1%
Healthcare	$596/mo	$556/mo	↓ $40.31less	6.8%
Groceries	$932/mo	$967/mo	↑ $34.96more	3.7%
Transportation	$1,239/mo	$1,236/mo	↓ $2.45less	0.2%

Other

↓ 10.9%

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,873

Knoxville, TN

$1,668

Difference

$205

less

Housing

↑ 3.3%

Murfreesboro, TN

$2,301

Knoxville, TN

$2,378

Difference

$76.92

All Utilities

↓ 8.1%

Murfreesboro, TN

$510

Knoxville, TN

$468

Difference

$41.49

less

Healthcare

↓ 6.8%

Murfreesboro, TN

$596

Knoxville, TN

$556

Difference

$40.31

less

Groceries

↑ 3.7%

Murfreesboro, TN

$932

Knoxville, TN

$967

Difference

$34.96

Transportation

↓ 0.2%

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,239

Knoxville, TN

$1,236

Difference

$2.45

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,168

To$1,200

↑ $32.00

1 Bed

From$1,222

To$1,200

↓ $22.00

2 Bed

From$1,341

To$1,495

↑ $154

3 Bed

From$1,714

To$1,891

↑ $177

Murfreesboro, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$1,640/mo

Knoxville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,480/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

$7,274

Monthly in Knoxville, TN

$177

Difference

Home Values

Murfreesboro

Knoxville

$400K

Median Value

$369K

YoY Change

↑ +0.7%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +64.1%

$364K - $436K

Price Range

$196K - $638K

Homes in Knoxville are 8% less expensive than Murfreesboro

Calculate payment - Murfreesboro Calculate payment - Knoxville

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

Knoxville, 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%

Knoxville, 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.