Median rent is 49% lower in Anderson ($975/mo vs $1,923/mo). Buying is cheaper in Anderson, where the median home runs $218,200 versus $705,400. Households earn more in Franklin ($119,528 vs $46,933 a year). Taken together, Anderson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.6 against 97.0 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Franklin, TN.
City A
Anderson, SC
City B
Franklin, TN
How much would you need to earn in Franklin, TN to maintain your standard of living from Anderson, SC?
Equivalent salary in Franklin, TN
$75,296
You'd need $296 more (0% higher).
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
Anderson
South Carolina
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 Anderson — median rent of $975/mo versus $1,923/mo in Franklin, a 49% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Franklin: the median home is $705,400 versus $218,200 in Anderson — 69% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Anderson
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Franklin
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Franklin if you prioritize higher median household income ($119,528/yr).
Pick Anderson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($975/mo median).
Is Anderson cheaper than Franklin?
Anderson is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.6 versus 97.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Anderson.
How much is rent in Anderson vs Franklin?
Median rent is $975/mo in Anderson, SC and $1,923/mo in Franklin, TN. Anderson, SC has the lower rent by about 49%.
Which has higher salaries — Anderson or Franklin?
Median household income is $46,933 in Anderson, SC and $119,528 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 — Anderson or Franklin?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Franklin to match my Anderson income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Anderson, SC is equivalent to roughly $100,394 in Franklin, TN (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
