Moving from Birmingham, AL to Murfreesboro, TN
The 192 mi from Birmingham to Murfreesboro translate to about 3h 34m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
192 mi · 3h 34m by car · AL → TN
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 840, US 31 |
| Major cities en route | Huntsville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Murfreesboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 96.338 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 71.95 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 104.626 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Murfreesboro is 5.1% higher than Birmingham, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Murfreesboro is 5.1% above Birmingham — $135,870 vs $426,292 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Murfreesboro +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Birmingham | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 55.9" |
Climate cools by 5.0°F on the annual average — 63.9°F → 58.9°F.
Murfreesboro averages 2.2 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 157,547 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $76,241 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 31.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.69 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 5.1% between Birmingham and Murfreesboro (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Murfreesboro MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 151,390 | $44,110 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 122,460 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 97,370 | $30,460 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 87,620 | $35,950 |
| Management Occupations | 87,180 | $106,770 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Murfreesboro averages 55.9 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Murfreesboro compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 1,074,750 and 509,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Murfreesboro, TN from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 192 mi and the route typically takes 3h 34m via I 65 and I 840. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Birmingham and Murfreesboro?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Murfreesboro vs 63.9°F in Birmingham (5.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.2 in vs 1.4 in. Annual precipitation: 55.9 in vs 56.6 in.
Is Murfreesboro more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murfreesboro is 5.1% higher than Birmingham (96.338 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Murfreesboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,241 in Murfreesboro vs $44,376 in Birmingham — a 71.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Murfreesboro?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 192 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Murfreesboro compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,292 in Murfreesboro vs $135,870 in Birmingham — a 213.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL · Murfreesboro, TN.