Median rent is 29% lower in Albany ($1,311/mo vs $1,856/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albany, where the median home runs $352,900 versus $567,100. Households earn more in Franklin Town ($142,788 vs $73,809 a year). Taken together, Franklin Town 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 Town, MA.
City A
Albany, OR
City B
Franklin Town, MA
How much would you need to earn in Franklin Town, MA to maintain your standard of living from Albany, OR?
Equivalent salary in Franklin Town, MA
$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 Town
Massachusetts
👥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 $1,856/mo in Franklin Town, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Franklin Town: the median home is $567,100 versus $352,900 in Albany — 38% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% versus 9.00% in Massachusetts, so Franklin Town is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 0.00% in Oregon and 6.25% in Massachusetts; Albany has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albany
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Franklin Town
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Franklin Town if you prioritize higher median household income ($142,788/yr).
Pick Albany if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,311/mo median).
Pick Franklin Town if you prioritize lower state income tax (9.00%).
Is Albany cheaper than Franklin Town?
Franklin Town 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 Town.
How much is rent in Albany vs Franklin Town?
Median rent is $1,311/mo in Albany, OR and $1,856/mo in Franklin Town, MA. Albany, OR has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Albany or Franklin Town?
Median household income is $73,809 in Albany, OR and $142,788 in Franklin Town, MA. Franklin Town, MA 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 Town?
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% and Massachusetts's is 9.00%. Franklin Town, MA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Franklin Town 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 Town, MA (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