Murfreesboro is considered moderately affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,450 per month and slightly lower utility costs compared to the national average.
Housing Costs in Murfreesboro
Housing options in Murfreesboro range from apartments and townhomes to single-family homes in established neighborhoods and new developments. Typical rent for a 2-bedroom apartment falls between $1,300 to $1,600 per month, with an average around $1,450. Buying a 3-bedroom house typically costs between $350,000 to $450,000, depending on the neighborhood, age of the home, and amenities.
Some of the more affordable areas for renting include neighborhoods near Middle Tennessee State University, where many students live. For home buyers, established neighborhoods like Blackman and Barfield tend to offer better value compared to newer developments on the city’s edges. HOA fees are common in many newer subdivisions and can add $100 to $300 per month to housing costs.
Here’s a quick comparison of typical housing costs across different Murfreesboro neighborhoods:
| Neighborhood | 2BR Apartment Rent | 3BR House Price |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | $1,500 – $1,800 | $400K – $550K |
| Blackman | $1,200 – $1,500 | $325K – $425K |
| Barfield | $1,100 – $1,400 | $300K – $400K |
| Gateway | $1,400 – $1,700 | $375K – $500K |
Utilities and Energy Bills
Basic utility costs in Murfreesboro, including electric, gas, water, and trash, average around $180 per month for a 1,000 square foot apartment. Expect higher electric bills in the summer months due to air conditioning needs. High-speed internet adds another $60 to $80 per month.
Here’s a typical monthly utility breakdown:
- Electricity: $90 – $120
- Gas: $30 – $50
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $50 – $70
- Internet: $60 – $80
Utility costs in Murfreesboro tend to be 5-10% lower than the national average, thanks in part to Tennessee’s lower-than-average energy prices. Still, it’s important to budget for seasonal spikes, especially in the hot summer months when AC usage drives up electric bills.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries in Murfreesboro cost about $350 per month for a single person or $900 for a family of four. This assumes a mix of cooking at home and occasional meals out. Dining out can add $200 to $400 per person monthly, depending on frequency and restaurant choices.
To get a sense of local grocery prices, here’s what a typical basket of staples might cost:
- Gallon of milk: $3.50
- Loaf of bread: $2.75
- Dozen eggs: $2.25
- Pound of chicken breast: $3.50
While groceries in Murfreesboro are generally in line with the U.S. average, certain items like fresh produce can be pricier than in larger metro areas. Buying seasonal and local helps keep costs down. Discount grocers like Aldi offer additional savings.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Murfreesboro’s property tax rate is $1.2894 per $100 of assessed value. For a $350,000 home, that equates to about $4,500 per year or $375 per month. Tennessee has no state income tax, but sales tax in Murfreesboro is 9.75%, which is on the higher end nationally.
Vehicle registration fees are $26.50 per year in Rutherford County. Drivers should also budget for emission testing fees, which run $9 per vehicle annually. For homeowners in certain neighborhoods, monthly HOA fees ranging from $100 to $300 are another important cost to factor in.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | $1,100 | $1,450 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $180 | $220 | $280 |
| Groceries | $350 | $600 | $900 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Other | $400 | $600 | $1000 |
| Total | $2,530 | $3,670 | $5,180 |
Note: These figures are rough estimates based on typical costs. Individual budgets will vary based on lifestyle, family size, neighborhood, and other factors. All figures are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Lifestyle Considerations
When deciding where to live in Murfreesboro, it’s important to weigh affordability against factors like convenience, commute times, schools, and amenities. Newer homes in master-planned communities on the city’s outskirts often come with longer commutes and higher price tags, but may offer more space and modern features.
More established neighborhoods closer to the city center, like Blackman and Barfield, tend to be more affordable and convenient to downtown amenities, but may have older homes and smaller lots. For young professionals and singles, renting in complexes near MTSU can offer a good balance of affordability and access.
Ultimately, living comfortably in Murfreesboro on a typical salary requires balancing housing costs with other priorities. Choosing a smaller home or older neighborhood can free up room in the budget for other expenses and activities that contribute to quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What salary do you need to live comfortably in Murfreesboro?
A: A comfortable lifestyle in Murfreesboro requires around $3,600 per month in gross income for a single person or $5,200 for a family of four. This factors in housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and discretionary spending. - Q: Is Murfreesboro cheaper than Nashville?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Murfreesboro is about 5-10% lower than in Nashville, mainly due to more affordable housing. The median home price in Murfreesboro is roughly $100,000 less than in Nashville. - Q: What are the highest living expenses in Murfreesboro?
A: Housing is the biggest expense for most Murfreesboro residents, followed by groceries, healthcare, and transportation. Utilities and taxes are relatively lower than the national average. - Q: How much do you need to make to buy a house in Murfreesboro?
A: To afford the median-priced home in Murfreesboro (around $400,000), you’d need to earn about $100,000 per year before taxes, assuming a 10% down payment and a 4% mortgage rate. This factors in property taxes, insurance, and PMI.
- Q: What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Murfreesboro?
A: Some of the most affordable areas in Murfreesboro include Barfield, Blackman, and neighborhoods near MTSU. Rents and home prices in these areas tend to be 10-20% lower than the city average. - Q: How do living costs in Murfreesboro compare to other Nashville suburbs?
A: Murfreesboro is generally more affordable than suburbs like Franklin and Brentwood, but slightly pricier than Smyrna and La Vergne. It offers a good balance of cost and amenities for many Nashville-area commuters.
The three costs that tend to surprise newcomers to Murfreesboro the most are:
- Property taxes – At over $4,000 per year for the typical home, Murfreesboro’s property taxes can take a big bite out of the budget, especially for those coming from lower-tax areas.
- HOA fees – Many of Murfreesboro’s newer neighborhoods come with monthly HOA fees of $100 to $300, an added cost that can be easy to overlook when shopping for a home.
- Summer electric bills – Murfreesboro’s hot, humid summers mean heavy air conditioning usage from June through September. New residents are often surprised by electric bills that can spike to $200 or more during the hottest months.