True Cost of Renting in Murfreesboro, TN

Murfreesboro is Middle Tennessee's fastest-growing city — a bedroom community for Nashville (35 miles northwest on I-24) that has developed its own employment base around Middle Tennessee State University, healthcare, and logistics. MTSU's 23,000 students anchor the local economy and rental market.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

Downtown Murfreesboro / MTSU

Studio:
$1,100/mo
1 Bed:
$1,300/mo
2 Bed:
$1,700/mo

Historic downtown square and MTSU-adjacent corridor; older apartments and newer student-oriented buildings. August synchronized leases for student renters. Nashville Electric Service (or local utility) electric. Street parking generally available.

Medical Center Parkway / Rutherford

1 Bed:
$1,400/mo
2 Bed:
$1,900/mo

Healthcare corridor around StoneCrest Medical Center; newer apartment complexes near I-24 access. Car-dependent but excellent Nashville commute via I-24. Large Amazon fulfillment center nearby employs 1,500+.

Blackman / Stewarts Creek

1 Bed:
$1,300/mo
2 Bed:
$1,700/mo

Suburban residential area south of Murfreesboro; newest apartment complexes with resort amenities. Top-rated Rutherford County schools. Car-dependent. Longer Nashville commute than northern Murfreesboro but newer construction.

Utility Providers

Electric
Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) / TVA
Water
Murfreesboro Water Resources
Internet
Spectrum, AT&T Internet, Brightspeed

Commute & Transportation

I-24 connects Murfreesboro to Nashville (35 miles, 40–55 min) and Chattanooga (80 miles, 1.25 hrs). The I-840 loop provides suburban beltway access. Express commuter parking lots near I-24 interchanges serve Nashville commuters. MTSU employs 2,000+ staff. StoneCrest Medical Center and the growing logistics cluster near I-24 are major local employers. No rail transit — every commute is by car.

Rental Market Overview

Murfreesboro offers Nashville access at 20–25% lower rents for comparable units — the primary value proposition for Nashville workers priced out of the city. MTE electric rates (TVA-backed) average $100–160/month. MTSU's student demand creates August synchronized leasing in the university zone. Rutherford County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the US — new apartment supply has kept pace but demand remains strong from Nashville-area workers seeking affordability.

Data last updated: 2026-04

Compare Apartments in Murfreesboro

Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.

Renting in Murfreesboro: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Murfreesboro?
One-bedroom apartments in Murfreesboro range from $1,300/month in Downtown Murfreesboro / MTSU to $1,400/month in Medical Center Parkway / Rutherford. Two-bedroom units range from $1,700 to $1,900/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in Murfreesboro?
In Murfreesboro, electricity is provided by Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) / TVA, water by Murfreesboro Water Resources, and common internet providers include Spectrum, AT&T Internet, Brightspeed. Check whether your lease includes water or trash — some buildings bundle these into rent while others charge separately. Always ask the leasing office for the average monthly utility bill before signing.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Murfreesboro?
Downtown Murfreesboro / MTSU is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Murfreesboro, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,300/month. Historic downtown square and MTSU-adjacent corridor; older apartments and newer student-oriented buildings. August synchronized leases for student renters. Nashville Electric Service (or local utility) electric. Street parking generally available. Remember to factor in commute costs and parking fees when comparing neighborhoods — a cheaper base rent farther from work may cost more overall.
Is Murfreesboro expensive to rent in?
Murfreesboro offers Nashville access at 20–25% lower rents for comparable units — the primary value proposition for Nashville workers priced out of the city. MTE electric rates (TVA-backed) average $100–160/month. Use RentCompare to calculate the true all-in cost for any apartment in Murfreesboro — base rent alone does not tell the full story.

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