What Is The Cost Of Living In Murfreesboro, TN?
Murfreesboro is a city about 30 miles southeast of Nashville, Tennessee. Murfreesboro was once the state capital of Tennessee in the early 1800s and an area of engagement in the American Civil War. Today, it’s Tennessee’s sixth-largest city and the largest suburb of Nashville.
Murfreesboro has a lot to see and do. With a hot climate in the summer and mild in the winter, activities have year-round accessibility. From visiting a local brewery to visiting a historical mansion or an outdoor music festival, Murfreesboro has many options for people looking for entertainment and fun.
The median cost of a home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is $246,600. However, this number does not cover other living costs, such as child care, utilities, groceries, and taxes. We will help you determine all of the small expenses contributing to how much you spend on life in Murfreesboro.
The minimum wage in Murfreesboro is $7.25 per hour, and the livable wage is $14.78 an hour. You may have a range below or above this that will help you live in Murfreesboro. Though the cost of living is lower than that of Los Angeles or New York, costs add up. Here’s a breakdown of exactly how much you might spend to live each month in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
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Homeownership Costs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Owning a home in Murfreesboro will cost slightly less than in other areas of Tennessee. In nearby Nashville, the median price of a home is $323,075 and in Murfreesboro, the average price is $246,600. Homes in Murfreesboro also cost less than the median home cost nationwide, which is $284,600, making homes in Murfreesboro about 12% less than the national average.
There are luxury homes that are very expensive in Murfreesboro; well above $4 million. However, there are affordable homes in Murfreesboro that can fit your budget. If you don’t think you can afford to live in Murfreesboro, consider renting.
Rental Costs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
When you move to Murfreesboro, you will notice a variety of homes and apartments to rent. In fact, 2.7% of houses and apartments are available to rent. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Style of Home | Price Per Month |
| Studio | $868 |
| 1 Bedroom | $955 |
| 2 Bedroom | $1157 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1525 |
| 4 Bedroom | $1823 |
Compared to many states, this is relatively affordable and can be a great deal, especially so close to a beautiful and dynamic city like Murfreesboro. If you are a couple or a single person finding a studio apartment can be one of the best and easiest ways to afford living in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
There are twenty-one states in the country with average monthly rental rates under $1,000. With a statewide average rent of just $869 per month, Tennessee is considered an affordable state for renters. Generally speaking, states that have the lowest rental prices also have some of the lowest overall costs of living, and this holds true for Tennessee.
The average monthly rent for an apartment in Murfreesboro, however, is $1,104. Though, you can expect to pay as littles as $868 or as much as $1,823 depending on the size and location of the apartment. To put things in perspective, the following table outlines how the average monthly rent in Murfreesboro compares to other neighboring cities in the state of Tennessee:
| City | Average Rent |
| Nashville, TN | $1,581 |
| Memphis, TN | $967 |
| Knoxville, TN | $1,274 |
| Murfreesboro, TN | $1,104 |
| Franklin, TN | $1,744 |
| Chattanooga, TN | $1,182 |
Taxes in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Given the fact that there is no state income tax, taxpayers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee only pay two main forms of state and local tax: local property taxes, and state and local sales taxes. Property taxes are some of the lowest in the country, but the overall sales tax in Tennessee is the highest in the nation.
Sales Tax in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Tennessee’s statewide base sales tax is 7%, which alone is tied for the second-highest rate in the nation. Though, cities and counties across the state can also impose additional sales taxes ranging from 1.50% to as much as 2.75%. In Murfreesboro, the additional county and city sales tax rate is 2.75%, which means that residents pay the statewide maximum of 9.75% in sales tax.
Property Taxes in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Tennessee’s property tax rate is 0.64%, which equates to about $1,220 per year for Tennessee homeowners. The US average property tax rate is 1.07%, so Tennessee’s property taxes are less than the national average. However, property tax rates do vary depending on the city or town you live in.
In Rutherford County, where Murfreesboro is located, the average effective property tax rate is 0.64%. So, it is the same as the statewide average.
Income Taxes in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
The state of Tennessee does not have a state income tax on salaries, wages, bonuses or any other form of work income. However, the state did previously collect the “Hall Income Tax,” which was named after the Tennessee state senator who supported the legislation in 1929.
It only applied to earnings from investment and interest dividends and for 2020 it was a 1% tax. Though, as of tax year 2021, the Hall Income Tax is gone and moving forward, Tennessee will no longer have a state income tax.
Utility Costs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Regardless of the state that you choose to move to, you will have to pay utilities. Sometimes when you are renting, these fees get pushed together, but you will have to ensure this happens in your contract. For a small apartment of 915 sq ft, you can expect to pay $181.73 a month for the basic utilities in Murfreesboro. What do utilities include?
- Electricity
- Cooling
- Heating
- Water
- Garbage
There may be certain places that do not include garbage, and you will have to find your own way to dispose of your trash. Some places will cover this cost, but you must provide your own garbage cans that still need to meet community requirements.
Child Care Costs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
If you have a family, you know that child care is expensive but a necessity. It is a part of daily life that many people don’t talk about and can be a considerable expense and a giant chunk of your paycheck.
In Murfreesboro, the average cost of full-time daycare per week is:
| Age | Cost Per Week |
| Under 2.5 | $183 |
| 2.5 to 5 | $159 |
| 6+ | $125 |
You can expect to pay about $1,083 a month per child. However, if you are looking at a private daycare that may also teach your children or prep them for school, you will end up paying much more. It all depends on what you want and what you are looking for.
Food & Grocery Costs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Something we tend to overlook when moving or living somewhere is the price of food. Grocery shopping is something most of us do weekly and, if we are lucky, sometimes monthly. The bigger your family is, the more you will spend on groceries per week.
Here is a list of some grocery items and prices in Murfreesboro; this can be a good starting place to figure out what you eat and how much you’ll spend a week or a month.
| Food Item | Cost |
| 1 Gallon of Milk | $2.67 |
| 1 Loaf of White Bread | $1.65 |
| 1 Carton of Eggs | $1.50 |
| Local Cheese | $4.50 |
| 1 Pound of Chicken | $3.04 |
| 1 Pound of Onion | $1.69 |
| 1 Head of Lettuce | $1.86 |
| 1 Bottle of Mid-Range Wine | $12.00 |
| 0.5 Liters of Domestic Beer | $2.75 |
Entertainment Costs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
After moving, you will want to start going to do fun activities that Murfreesboro offers, and most of them will cost money. What is there to do, and how much does it cost? The truth is there are many different things to do, a wide variety of things to do. You will need to set yourself a budget and stick with it. Here is a list of activities that can help you determine that budget.
| Activity | Price Range |
| Restaurants (2 people; mid-range) | $57.50 |
| Fitness Club | $15.62 |
| Movies (basic movie) | $12.00 |
No matter where you go, there will be extra expenses. Many of these activities will offer different prices depending on the experience you want. There is no set price, and it may vary depending on where you are and what you are doing.
Education Costs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Going to school is expensive, and putting your kids through private school can also be costly. There are so many costs that add up every year we want to make sure you are as prepared as possible.
In Murfreesboro, the average class size in public schools is 15 students. Schools spend about $10,167 per student. However, that does not mean you have to pay that amount; it means that’s what it costs the school. Here are some other things to keep in mind when looking at education costs in Huntsville.
Private School
There are sixteen top private schools in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The student to teacher ratio in private school is 13:1. There are private pre-schools, elementary, middle, and high schools. The average tuition cost is $9,304 for elementary school and $10,342 for high school. There may be a few more private school options in the area, and you will want to check the fees and what those fees include.
University
There are several universities in Murfreesboro: Middle Tennessee State University and Cumberland University. In-state tuition for Middle Tennessee State University is $9,070. However, this does not cover costs or room and board, or any textbook fees. This makes it an excellent option for many locals. If you are thinking of attending a University, this may be a budget-friendly option compared to other states.
Technical College
A technical school in Murfreesboro that is a good option is Tennessee College of Applied Technology. It’s a vocational school for information technology. The cost is approximately $5,105, making it very budget-friendly.
If you are moving to Murfreesboro and plan to go back to school, it may benefit you to wait a year and become a resident. This might help you pay a lower amount than being out of state. However, if you have kids and wish to send them to a private school, there are many fantastic options, but all come with a small price.
Related Questions
How much do you need to live comfortably in Alabama?
On average, to live comfortably in Murfreesboro, you will need to make at least $30,349 a year. This means you would need to make $2,529 a month to live on your own. The bigger your family is, the more you will need to make.
Is Murfreesboro a good place to live?
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is a perfect place to live if you’re a young professional, have a family, or even retire. It may be cheaper than other states. However, it can also be one of the more expensive cities to live in, and you will want to keep that in mind when choosing a place to live.If you like temperate weather and a warm summer climate, Murfreesboro is a good option. There are many historical sites to visit, nearby lakes and rivers for water activities, and a downtown area for dining, shopping, and nightlife. Plus, with its proximity to Nashville, living in Murfreesboro means you can access even more entertainment options without the high cost of Nashville living.
What are the main industries in Murfreesboro?
Primary industries for Murfreesboro, TN, are healthcare, retail and manufacturing.
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Is Murfreesboro, Tennessee Right for You?
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Tennessee, Murfreesboro has many desirable qualities: excellent schools, beautiful parks and open, green space, activities that appeal to a wide variety of people young and old, and a welcoming atmosphere. It also has an abundance of history and historical landmarks to enjoy. If you’re looking for a city that has all this and a warm, sunny climate with mild winters, Murfreesboro might be the city for you.
If you’re not completely sold on Murfreesboro but are still considering relocating to the Volunteer State, check out: 10 Best & Safest Places to Live in Tennessee.
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