Median rent is 4% lower in New York ($1,779/mo vs $1,856/mo). Buying is cheaper in Franklin Town, where the median home runs $567,100 versus $751,700. Households earn more in Franklin Town ($142,788 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Franklin Town is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 113.0 — about 15% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Franklin Town, MA.
Quick verdict
Franklin Town is 15% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.5 in Franklin Town vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Franklin Town, MA
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Franklin Town, MA?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$87,776
You'd need $12,776 more (17% 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
Franklin Town
Massachusetts
New York
New York
👥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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,856/mo in Franklin Town and $1,779/mo in New York. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $567,100 in Franklin Town — 25% 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 10.90% in New York, so Franklin Town is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Massachusetts and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Franklin Town
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Franklin Town.
Pick Franklin Town if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.5 vs 113.0).
Pick Franklin Town if you prioritize higher median household income ($142,788/yr).
Pick Franklin Town if you prioritize lower state income tax (9.00%).
Is Franklin Town cheaper than New York?
Franklin Town is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Franklin Town.
How much is rent in Franklin Town vs New York?
Median rent is $1,856/mo in Franklin Town, MA and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. New York, NY has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Franklin Town or New York?
Median household income is $142,788 in Franklin Town, MA and $79,713 in New York, NY. 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 New York?
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% and New York's is 10.90%. Franklin Town, MA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York 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 $117,034 in New York, NY (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