Moving from Rochester, MN to Murfreesboro, TN
Relocating 788 mi from Rochester to Murfreesboro is a 15h 22m drive through 6 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.
788 mi · 15h 22m by car · TN → KY → IL → MO → IA → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → KY → IL → MO → IA → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, US 61, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Clarksville, St Louis, Cedar Rapids |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Murfreesboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 96.338 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 71.95 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 104.626 | 100.0 |
Murfreesboro runs about 6.1% more expensive overall than Rochester — RPP 90.821 → 96.338.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $339,455 in Rochester to $426,292 in Murfreesboro, a 6.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Murfreesboro +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 55.9" |
Expect 14.1°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 2.2 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 157,547 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $76,241 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 31.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.69 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.1% lower in Murfreesboro than Rochester.
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 Minnesota 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.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
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 warmer climate (14.1°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 1,074,750 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Murfreesboro more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murfreesboro is 6.1% higher than Rochester (96.338 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 788 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Murfreesboro, TN from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 788 mi and the route typically takes 15h 22m via I 24 and US 61. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Murfreesboro?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Murfreesboro vs 44.8°F in Rochester (14.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.2 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 55.9 in vs 34.7 in.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Murfreesboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,241 in Murfreesboro vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 13.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Murfreesboro compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,292 in Murfreesboro vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 25.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Murfreesboro, TN.