Median rent is 29% lower in Franklin ($1,325/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Franklin, where the median home runs $343,400 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Franklin ($108,342 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Franklin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.5 against 113.3 — about 15% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Franklin, WI.
Quick verdict
Franklin is 15% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.5 in Franklin vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Franklin, WI
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Franklin, WI?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$88,025
You'd need $13,025 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
Wisconsin
Los Angeles
California
👥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 $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $343,400 in Franklin — 61% 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 13.30% in California, so Franklin is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.00% in Wisconsin and 7.25% in California; Franklin has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Franklin
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Franklin.
Pick Franklin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.5 vs 113.3).
Pick Franklin if you prioritize higher median household income ($108,342/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 cheaper than Los Angeles?
Franklin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.5 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Franklin.
How much is rent in Franklin vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,325/mo in Franklin, WI and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Franklin, WI has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Franklin or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $108,342 in Franklin, WI and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. 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 Los Angeles?
Wisconsin's top income tax rate is 7.65% and California's is 13.30%. Franklin, WI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Franklin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Franklin, WI is equivalent to roughly $117,367 in Los Angeles, CA (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