Moving from St. Paul, MN to Murfreesboro, TN

A move from St. Paul, MN to Murfreesboro, TN covers 879 mi and around 16h 19m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.

879 mi Β· 16h 19m by car Β· MN β†’ WI β†’ IL β†’ KY β†’ TN

COL -8.1% Ξ” +12.4Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
879 mi
Drive time
16h 19m
States
5
Fuel (25 mpg)
35 gal
Route throughMN β†’ WI β†’ IL β†’ KY β†’ TN
Primary highwaysI 94, US 51, I 24
Major cities en routeMinneapolis, Madison, Rockford, Clarksville

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

St. PaulMurfreesboroU.S. avg
All items (RPP)104.82296.338100.0
Rents93.49371.95100.0
Goods103.06596.247100.0
Services111.838104.626100.0

Murfreesboro is 8.1% cheaper than St. Paul overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

St. Paul β€” typical home
β€”
Murfreesboro β€” typical home
$426,292
Murfreesboro β€” typical rent
$1,686/mo

YoY change: St. Paul β€”, Murfreesboro +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsSt. PaulMurfreesboro
Annual avg temperature47Β°F59Β°F
January avg low9Β°F28Β°F
July avg high83Β°F89Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”2.2"
Annual precipitation29.2"55.9"

Murfreesboro runs 12.4Β°F warmer on the annual average (46.5Β°F vs 58.9Β°F, NOAA 1991–2020).

Murfreesboro averages 2.2 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals β€” a light winter by U.S. standards.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023St. PaulMurfreesboro
Population307,762157,547
Median household income$73,055$76,241
Median age33.531.4
Bachelor's degree or higher25.2%26.7%
Avg household size2.52.69

Median household incomes in St. Paul ($73,055) and Murfreesboro ($76,241) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

St. Paul MSA β€” median wage
$54,850
Murfreesboro MSA β€” median wage
$46,950
St. Paul MSA β€” employment
1,911,030
Murfreesboro MSA β€” employment
1,074,750

Top occupations in Murfreesboro MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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

Minnesota income tax
9.85% top marginal
Tennessee income tax
no state income tax

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 β€” 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β€” check MnDOT 511.
  • Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β€” check 511wi.
  • I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
  • 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 β€” waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
  • You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.4Β°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 household income compare in St. Paul vs Murfreesboro?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,241 in Murfreesboro vs $73,055 in St. Paul β€” a 4.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How far is Murfreesboro, TN from St. Paul, MN?

The driving distance is 879 mi and the route typically takes 16h 19m via I 94 and US 51. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does the job market in Murfreesboro compare to St. Paul?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA, on total employment of 1,074,750 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

Is Murfreesboro more expensive than St. Paul?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murfreesboro is 8.1% lower than St. Paul (96.338 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

When is the best time to move from St. Paul 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 879 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Paul.

City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Murfreesboro, TN.

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