Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.4% cheaper than Murfreesboro, TN. This translates to saving $178 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Murfreesboro, TN, you'd need approximately $147,861.612 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 7.3% more expensive than in Murfreesboro, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,341/month in Murfreesboro, TN.

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

Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $178 per month, or $2138 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Murfreesboro, TN vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Murfreesboro, TN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Nashville, TN area

Current salary in Murfreesboro, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $178/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$178

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.1K

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

Median Home:$400K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$512K

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!

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Murfreesboro, TN vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Murfreesboro, TN	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,301/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $167more	7.3%
📦Other	$1,873/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $166less	8.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,239/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $45.37more	3.7%
⚡All Utilities	$510/mo	$546/mo	↑ $36.57more	7.2%
🛒Groceries	$932/mo	$959/mo	↑ $26.91more	2.9%
🏥Healthcare	$596/mo	$601/mo	↑ $4.63more	0.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 7.3%

Murfreesboro, TN

$2,301

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$167

📦Other

↓ 8.8%

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,873

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$166

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.7%

Murfreesboro, TN

$1,239

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$45.37

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.2%

Murfreesboro, TN

$510

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$36.57

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.9%

Murfreesboro, TN

$932

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$26.91

🏥Healthcare

↑ 0.8%

Murfreesboro, TN

$596

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$4.63

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,168

To$1,570

↑ $402

1 Bed

From$1,222

To$1,640

↑ $418

2 Bed

From$1,341

To$1,800

↑ $459

3 Bed

From$1,714

To$2,255

↑ $541

Murfreesboro, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$1,640/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$115

Difference

Home Values

Murfreesboro

Raleigh

$400K

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$364K - $436K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 28% more expensive than Murfreesboro

Calculate payment - Murfreesboro Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Raleigh, 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%

Raleigh, 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.