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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd save $383/month moving to Macon-Bibb County, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.4K in Macon-Bibb County, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates Β· COL index from Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN area
Overall Cost
↓ 5.1%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$383
Savings
Annual Impact
$4.6K
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

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Population:157K
Cost Index:
95
(5% below avg)
Median Home:$153K

Murfreesboro, TN

The Volunteer State

165K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 165K residents.

πŸ’‘ Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

Macon-Bibb County, GA

The Peach State

157K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 157K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Murfreesboro, TN vs Macon-Bibb County, GA

Transportation
↑ 26.7%
Murfreesboro, TN
$1,239
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$1,569
Difference
$331
more
Housing
↓ 9.4%
Murfreesboro, TN
$2,301
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$2,084
Difference
$217
less
Other
↓ 9.0%
Murfreesboro, TN
$1,873
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$1,705
Difference
$168
less
All Utilities
↑ 19.4%
Murfreesboro, TN
$510
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$609
Difference
$98.83
more
Groceries
↑ 7.1%
Murfreesboro, TN
$932
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$999
Difference
$66.30
more
Healthcare
↓ 10.2%
Murfreesboro, TN
$596
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$535
Difference
$61.00
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,168
To$704
↓ $464
1 Bed
From$1,222
To$813
↓ $409
2 Bed
From$1,341
To$975
↓ $366
3 Bed
From$1,714
To$1,301
↓ $413
Murfreesboro, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$1,640/mo

πŸ’‘ 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
$7,502
Monthly in Macon-Bibb County, GA
$49.88
Difference

Home Values

Murfreesboro
Macon-Bibb County
$400K
Median Value
-
0%
YoY Change
-
↑ +35.5%
5-Year Change
-
$364K - $436K
Price Range
-

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $8.5K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$704
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.6%
Rate difference

Murfreesboro, TN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Tennessee State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Georgia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,711/month
$104.5K

Additional Tax Information

Murfreesboro, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%
Property Tax:0.7%

Macon-Bibb County, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%
Property Tax:0.9%

πŸ’‘ 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.

Environment

Murfreesboro
Macon-Bibb County
50 Good
Air Quality
49 Good
51.6%
Good Air Days
52.7%
97 High
Climate Risk
82 Moderate
🌊🫨πŸŒͺ
Top Hazards
None
β–²+2.8Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.8Β°F
42 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
64 days
β–²+2.8Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.8Β°F
42 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
64 days

What to Consider When Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Macon-Bibb County, GA

Relocating from Murfreesboro, TN to Macon-Bibb County, GA involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 5% lower in Macon-Bibb County, GA, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Macon-Bibb County, GA is 9% cheaper than in Murfreesboro, TN. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas β€” not just city averages β€” before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Macon-Bibb County, GA pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Macon-Bibb County, GA to match your current standard of living in Murfreesboro, TN.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general β€œfeel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Macon-Bibb County, GA for a week before making a final decision β€” experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Murfreesboro, TN vs Macon-Bibb County, GA

Is Macon-Bibb County, GA cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN?

Yes, Macon-Bibb County, GA is about 5.1% cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN. You could save approximately $383/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 9% lower in Macon-Bibb County, GA.

What salary do I need in Macon-Bibb County, GA to match my lifestyle in Murfreesboro, TN?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Murfreesboro, TN, you would need approximately $145,408 in Macon-Bibb County, GA to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Murfreesboro, TN and Macon-Bibb County, GA?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,341/month in Murfreesboro, TN compared to $975/month in Macon-Bibb County, GA. One-bedroom apartments are $1,222/month in Murfreesboro, TN vs $813/month in Macon-Bibb County, GA. These are area-wide medians β€” specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Murfreesboro, TN or Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Groceries are about 7% more expensive in Macon-Bibb County, GA than in Murfreesboro, TN, which adds roughly $66.30/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from Murfreesboro, TN to Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

πŸ’° See how taxes change too β€” compare take-home pay between Tennessee and Georgia on TaxTakeHome.com

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