Heat Pump Installation cost: Memphis vs Murfreesboro (2026)
Memphis runs 1% lower than Murfreesboro for heat pump installation — expect around $9,250 in Memphis against $9,350 in Murfreesboro, a difference of about $100.
Memphis TN
Lower costTypically around $9,250
Murfreesboro TN
Typically around $9,350
Memphis vs Murfreesboro: full breakdown
| Factor | Memphis | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $9,250 | $9,350 |
| Estimated range | $6,550–$11,950 | $6,650–$12,050 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.96 | ×0.97 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1.02 | ×1.02 |
| Local permit | $200 | $225 |
| Labor share | $5,550 | $5,600 |
| Materials/equipment | $3,700 | $3,750 |
These are 2026 planning figures for heat pump installation, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
At 1%, this gap is small enough that it's usually swallowed by normal quote-to-quote variation for heat pump installation — focus on the contractor, not the city.
Heat pump installation by type: Memphis vs Murfreesboro
Each heat pump installation option, priced separately for both metros — the same local labor, climate and permit adjustments applied per city, so you can compare like for like.
| Type | Memphis | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Air-source (ducted) | $7,550–$10,950 | $7,600–$11,050 |
| Ductless mini-split | $4,600–$11,950 | $4,650–$12,050 |
| Geothermal (ground-source) | $19,750–$26,600 | $19,950–$26,850 |
Heat pump installation numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
Heat pump installation by home size: Memphis vs Murfreesboro
Heat pumps are sized in tons like AC (roughly one ton per 500–600 sq ft), but cold-climate models may be sized up for heating. Ductless mini-splits are priced per zone instead.
| Size | Memphis | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (≈2 tons / 1–2 zones) | $5,100–$9,000 | $5,150–$9,100 |
| 1,500 sq ft (≈2.5 tons) | $6,050–$10,450 | $6,150–$10,600 |
| 2,000 sq ft (≈3 tons) | $6,550–$11,950 | $6,650–$12,050 |
| 2,500 sq ft (≈4 tons) | $8,500–$13,900 | $8,600–$14,050 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (≈5 tons) | $10,000–$16,800 | $10,100–$17,000 |
Heat pump installation numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
What hvac pros earn in each metro
Labor is about 60% of a heat pump installation bill, so local wages drive most of the gap. These are real metro hourly wages for skilled installers (BLS OEWS), not estimates.
Memphis metro · about 7% below the US average installer wage.
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin metro · about 6% below the US average installer wage.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metro wages for HVAC installers (used as a trade-labor index).
Cheapest time for heat pump installation in either city
Installers cut prices in spring and fall because job volume drops and crews sit idle — the opposite happens during a summer heat wave or winter cold snap, when a dead system forces homeowners into a full-price emergency swap.
How much should you really budget for HVAC in 2026?
Ask five contractors for an HVAC quote and you'll get five different numbers — usually because they disagree on sizing, efficiency and equipment tier. Here's how our editors think through those trade-offs.
The budget-first case
Size the system to your home with a Manual J calculation and buy the standard efficiency tier (80% AFUE / 14.3 SEER2). In a mild climate the cheaper unit pays off because you rarely run it hard — paying for premium efficiency you won't use is the most common way to overspend.
The efficiency-first case
In a hot-summer or cold-winter region, a higher SEER2/AFUE unit — or a heat pump — earns its premium back in lower bills, and utility and state rebates can still cut into the sticker (the federal 25C/25D credits ended Dec 2025). Run the payback math before defaulting to the cheapest box.
The longevity case
The single biggest cost driver isn't the brand — it's correct sizing and install quality. A properly sized, well-commissioned mid-tier system with annual maintenance outlasts an oversized premium unit that short-cycles. Spend on the install, not the badge.
The brand on the unit matters far less than getting the sizing and installation right. Insist on a Manual J calculation, match efficiency to your climate, and claim every rebate available.
Memphis vs Murfreesboro
Is heat pump installation cheaper in Memphis or Murfreesboro?
Memphis wins on price: heat pump installation runs about $9,250 there versus $9,350 in Murfreesboro, a gap of roughly $100 (1%) as of 2026.
Why does heat pump installation cost more in Murfreesboro than Memphis?
The main driver is local labor rates: Murfreesboro's labor index is 0.97 versus 0.96 in Memphis. Climate zone (mixed vs mixed) and permit fees also shift the total.
How much is heat pump installation in Memphis, TN?
In Memphis, heat pump installation typically runs $6,550–$11,950 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $9,250.
Do hvac pros really charge more in one city?
They do, and the BLS wage data confirms it: installers earn about $29/hr around Memphis versus $29.4/hr near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin. With labor making up about 60% of a heat pump installation job, that difference carries straight through to the final price.
When is the cheapest time to buy heat pump installation — and does it differ by city?
Timing doesn't change by city here — Spring and fall (Mar–May, Sep–Oct) is the cheapest window in both Memphis and Murfreesboro, saving roughly 5–15%. Avoid peak summer and mid-winter in either location, when emergency replacements push prices up.
Should I choose where to live based on heat pump installation cost?
Probably not. Yes, $100 is a real gap, but it's a one-time cost you can partly offset in Murfreesboro with off-season timing and tighter bids. Long-term factors like energy prices and home condition matter more than this one number.
Compare heat pump installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik