Median rent is 30% lower in Albany ($1,311/mo vs $1,861/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albany, where the median home runs $352,900 versus $646,300. Households earn more in Franklin ($115,000 vs $73,809 a year). Taken together, Franklin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 96.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Franklin, TN.
City A
Albany, OR
City B
Franklin, TN
How much would you need to earn in Franklin, TN to maintain your standard of living from Albany, OR?
Equivalent salary in Franklin, TN
$74,969
You could earn $31 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Albany
Oregon
Franklin
Tennessee
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Albany — median rent of $1,311/mo versus $1,861/mo in Franklin, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Franklin: the median home is $646,300 versus $352,900 in Albany — 45% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while Oregon tops out at 9.90% — giving Franklin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 0.00% in Oregon and 7.00% in Tennessee; Albany has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albany
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Franklin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Franklin if you prioritize higher median household income ($115,000/yr).
Pick Albany if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,311/mo median).
Pick Franklin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Albany cheaper than Franklin?
Franklin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 96.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Franklin.
How much is rent in Albany vs Franklin?
Median rent is $1,311/mo in Albany, OR and $1,861/mo in Franklin, TN. Albany, OR has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Albany or Franklin?
Median household income is $73,809 in Albany, OR and $115,000 in Franklin, TN. Franklin, TN has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Albany or Franklin?
Tennessee has no state income tax. Oregon has a top rate of 9.90%.
What salary do I need in Franklin to match my Albany income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albany, OR is equivalent to roughly $99,959 in Franklin, TN (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology