Median rent is 29% lower in Franklin ($1,325/mo vs $1,856/mo). Buying is cheaper in Franklin, where the median home runs $343,400 versus $567,100. Households earn more in Franklin Town ($142,788 vs $108,342 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (96.5).
City A
Franklin Town, MA
City B
Franklin, WI
How much would you need to earn in Franklin, WI to maintain your standard of living from Franklin Town, MA?
Equivalent salary in Franklin, WI
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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 Town
Massachusetts
Franklin
Wisconsin
👥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 Franklin — median rent of $1,325/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 $343,400 in Franklin — 39% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% versus 7.65% in Wisconsin, so Franklin is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Massachusetts and 5.00% in Wisconsin; Franklin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Franklin Town
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Franklin
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Franklin Town if you prioritize higher median household income ($142,788/yr).
Pick Franklin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,325/mo median).
Pick Franklin if you prioritize lower state income tax (7.65%).
Is Franklin Town cheaper than Franklin?
Franklin Town is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 96.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Franklin Town.
How much is rent in Franklin Town vs Franklin?
Median rent is $1,856/mo in Franklin Town, MA and $1,325/mo in Franklin, WI. Franklin, WI has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Franklin Town or Franklin?
Median household income is $142,788 in Franklin Town, MA and $108,342 in Franklin, WI. 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 — Franklin Town or Franklin?
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% and Wisconsin's is 7.65%. Franklin, WI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Franklin to match my Franklin Town income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Franklin Town, MA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Franklin, WI (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