A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
14%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Franklin Indiana National
Cost of living9489100
Groceries9797100
Health care9997100
Housing8672100
Transportation9596100
Utilities9696100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9995100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare9494100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Franklin, IN

The cost of living in Franklin affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Franklin is 94, which is 6% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Franklin closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Franklin can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Franklin Affordable?

Is Franklin affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Franklin, for instance, where the median home price falls 18.5% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 3.6% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Franklin flaunting a median household income of $88,984, 9.4% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Franklin?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Franklin, the transportation index is 4.9% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Franklin, is 14.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Franklin shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Franklin is 5% higher than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Franklin is 6% lower than the national average
  • Franklin housing is 14% lower than the national average
  • Indiana general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Indiana state income tax is 21% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Franklin

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Compare Franklin, IN Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$113,782$9,482$2,655$3,414
      Renters$52,531$4,378$1,226$1,576
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Franklin, IN, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Franklin, the median monthly income is $113,782 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,655 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $52,531, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,226 on monthly rental expenses.

      Indiana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Indiana 7% 7%

      Indiana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Indiana 3.15% 3.15%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Clifford, IN2758317.1%
      Taylorsville, IN5288416.0%
      Morgantown, IN1,4018713.1%
      Edinburgh, IN4,8158712.6%
      New Whiteland, IN6,3308911.0%
      Franklin, IN26,224946.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bay Point, CA26,22113434.4%
      McDonough, GA26,2281011.0%
      Lochearn, MD26,21611111.2%
      Soledad, CA26,21014342.8%
      White Bear Lake, MN26,26011010.0%
      Franklin, IN26,224946.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.