Murfreesboro, TN vs. Hermitage, TN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city wins on cost in the faceoff between Murfreesboro and Hermitage? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help you decide. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life expenses of living in Murfreesboro vs Hermitage in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage prices compare:
| Housing Type | Murfreesboro | Hermitage |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $350,000 | $385,000 |
🏆 Winner: Murfreesboro. Housing costs tend to be 10-15% lower in Murfreesboro compared to Hermitage.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another key expense. In Murfreesboro, the average monthly utility costs range from $180 in the summer to $220 in winter months. Hermitage residents can expect to pay around $200-$250/month.
🏆 Winner: Murfreesboro. While both cities have similar climates, Murfreesboro’s utility rates are slightly lower on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, grocery costs in Murfreesboro typically fall between $800-$1000 per month. In Hermitage, budget closer to $900-$1100. Eating out is also more affordable in Murfreesboro, with entrees averaging $12-$18 compared to $14-$22 in Hermitage.
🏆 Winner: Murfreesboro. Expect to save 5-10% on groceries and dining out.
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have similar property tax rates around 0.75%. However, Murfreesboro’s lower home values result in smaller tax bills overall. HOA fees are comparable, typically ranging from $200-$400/month.
🏆 Winner: Murfreesboro. Lower home prices give Murfreesboro the edge on taxes.
Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Murfreesboro | Hermitage |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage*) | $1,686 | $1,854 |
| Utilities | $200 | $225 |
| Groceries | $900 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $300 | $275 |
| Taxes | $219 | $241 |
| Misc | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,705 | $4,045 |
*Based on median home price with 20% down, 30-year fixed mortgage at 4% APR
Lifestyle Fit
While Murfreesboro wins on overall affordability, Hermitage has some lifestyle advantages:
- Hermitage is closer to downtown Nashville, with shorter commute times
- Hermitage has more public transportation options and walkable areas
- Murfreesboro’s sales tax rate is 0.25% lower than Hermitage’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murfreesboro more affordable than Hermitage?
Yes, the cost of living in Murfreesboro is about 8-10% lower than Hermitage across major expense categories like housing, food, and utilities.
Which city has lower rent?
Rental prices are around 10% cheaper in Murfreesboro. A typical 2BR apartment rents for $1,250/month compared to $1,400 in Hermitage.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Murfreesboro’s median home price of $350,000 is nearly 10% lower than Hermitage’s median of $385,000. This results in lower mortgage payments and property taxes.
The Bottom Line
For most households, Murfreesboro offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Hermitage. Families looking to stretch their budget further will find Murfreesboro very appealing. However, some may prefer Hermitage for its location and lifestyle, if budget allows.
Ultimately, the best fit depends on your specific priorities. We recommend checking out cost of living breakdowns for other Tennessee cities like Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood to compare all your options!