Moving from Lakeland, FL to Murfreesboro, TN
Relocating 665 mi from Lakeland to Murfreesboro is a 12h 28m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
665 mi · 12h 28m by car · TN → GA → FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → GA → FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, GA 540, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Chattanooga, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, South Fulton, Gainesville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakeland | Murfreesboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.141 | 96.338 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.883 | 71.95 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 95.942 | 104.626 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.8% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Lakeland -2.8%, Murfreesboro +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lakeland | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 51°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 56.8" | 55.9" |
Annual average temperature gap of 15.0°F — a meaningful climate change across the move.
Light snow year: Murfreesboro gets around 2.2 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LAKELAND 2, FL US, MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakeland | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,030 | 157,547 |
| Median household income | $60,947 | $76,241 |
| Median age | 39.9 | 31.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.53 | 2.69 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.8% — $60,947 → $76,241 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Florida 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.0°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
Is Murfreesboro more expensive than Lakeland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murfreesboro is 0.8% lower than Lakeland (96.338 vs 97.141, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Murfreesboro compared to Lakeland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,292 in Murfreesboro vs $311,156 in Lakeland — a 37.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Murfreesboro compare to Lakeland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA vs $40,780 in the Lakeland MSA, on total employment of 1,074,750 and 256,700 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Lakeland 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 665 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Murfreesboro, TN from Lakeland, FL?
The driving distance is 665 mi and the route typically takes 12h 28m via I 75 and GA 540. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lakeland vs Murfreesboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,241 in Murfreesboro vs $60,947 in Lakeland — a 25.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Lakeland and Murfreesboro?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Murfreesboro vs 73.9°F in Lakeland (15.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.2 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 55.9 in vs 56.8 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakeland.
City profiles: Lakeland, FL · Murfreesboro, TN.