Chattanooga, TN vs Murfreesboro, TN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chattanooga is 16.1% cheaper than Murfreesboro. With a cost index of 89 vs 106, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Chattanooga to Murfreesboro should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month compared to $1,376/month in Murfreesboro — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chattanooga is more affordable at $259,200 median vs $365,100.

Median household income in Chattanooga is $61,028 compared to $76,241 in Murfreesboro (-20%). While Murfreesboro is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chattanooga spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, more than the 21.7% in Murfreesboro.