Moving from Huntsville, AL to Murfreesboro, TN
The 90 mi from Huntsville to Murfreesboro translate to about 1h 56m 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.
90 mi · 1h 56m by car · AL → TN
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 231, US 72, US 431 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Huntsville | Murfreesboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.072 | 96.338 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.931 | 71.95 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.946 | 104.626 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Huntsville (93.072) and Murfreesboro (96.338) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Murfreesboro: 3.5% above Huntsville on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Huntsville +0.2%, Murfreesboro +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Huntsville | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.4" | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.3" | 55.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Murfreesboro gets around 2.2 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US, MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Huntsville | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,814 | 157,547 |
| Median household income | $70,778 | $76,241 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 31.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.69 |
Income steps up 3.5%: $70,778 in Huntsville vs $76,241 in Murfreesboro.
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 Huntsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA vs $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA, on total employment of 1,074,750 and 250,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Huntsville vs Murfreesboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,241 in Murfreesboro vs $70,778 in Huntsville — a 7.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Murfreesboro, TN from Huntsville, AL?
The driving distance is 90 mi and the route typically takes 1h 56m via US 231 and US 72. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Murfreesboro compared to Huntsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,292 in Murfreesboro vs $287,569 in Huntsville — a 48.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Huntsville 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 90 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Murfreesboro more expensive than Huntsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murfreesboro is 3.5% higher than Huntsville (96.338 vs 93.072, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Huntsville and Murfreesboro?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Murfreesboro vs 62.9°F in Huntsville (4.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.2 in vs 2.4 in. Annual precipitation: 55.9 in vs 54.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Huntsville.
City profiles: Huntsville, AL · Murfreesboro, TN.