Median rent is 32% lower in Greenville ($1,312/mo vs $1,923/mo). Buying is cheaper in Greenville, where the median home runs $487,500 versus $705,400. Households earn more in Franklin ($119,528 vs $71,472 a year). Taken together, Greenville 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
Franklin, TN
City B
Greenville, SC
How much would you need to earn in Greenville, SC to maintain your standard of living from Franklin, TN?
Equivalent salary in Greenville, SC
$74,705
You could earn $295 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
Franklin
Tennessee
Greenville
South Carolina
👥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 Greenville — median rent of $1,312/mo versus $1,923/mo in Franklin, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Franklin: the median home is $705,400 versus $487,500 in Greenville — 31% 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.
Franklin
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Greenville
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 Greenville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,312/mo median).
Is Franklin cheaper than Greenville?
Greenville 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 Greenville.
How much is rent in Franklin vs Greenville?
Median rent is $1,923/mo in Franklin, TN and $1,312/mo in Greenville, SC. Greenville, SC has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Franklin or Greenville?
Median household income is $119,528 in Franklin, TN and $71,472 in Greenville, SC. 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 — Franklin or Greenville?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Greenville to match my Franklin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Franklin, TN is equivalent to roughly $99,607 in Greenville, SC (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
