Median rent is 41% lower in Henderson ($788/mo vs $1,325/mo). Buying is cheaper in Henderson, where the median home runs $151,400 versus $343,400. Households earn more in Franklin ($108,342 vs $47,176 a year). Taken together, Henderson is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 96.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Franklin, WI.
City A
Franklin, WI
City B
Henderson, KY
How much would you need to earn in Henderson, KY to maintain your standard of living from Franklin, WI?
Equivalent salary in Henderson, KY
$74,953
You could earn $47 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
Wisconsin
Henderson
Kentucky
👥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 Henderson — median rent of $788/mo versus $1,325/mo in Franklin, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Franklin: the median home is $343,400 versus $151,400 in Henderson — 56% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Wisconsin's top income tax rate is 7.65% versus 4.00% in Kentucky, so Henderson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.00% in Wisconsin and 6.00% in Kentucky; Franklin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Franklin
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Henderson
Income tax: 4.00%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Franklin if you prioritize higher median household income ($108,342/yr).
Pick Henderson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($788/mo median).
Pick Henderson if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.00%).
Is Franklin cheaper than Henderson?
Henderson 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 Henderson.
How much is rent in Franklin vs Henderson?
Median rent is $1,325/mo in Franklin, WI and $788/mo in Henderson, KY. Henderson, KY has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Franklin or Henderson?
Median household income is $108,342 in Franklin, WI and $47,176 in Henderson, KY. Franklin, WI 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 Henderson?
Wisconsin's top income tax rate is 7.65% and Kentucky's is 4.00%. Henderson, KY has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Henderson to match my Franklin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Franklin, WI is equivalent to roughly $99,938 in Henderson, KY (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