Decatur, IN vs Franklin, IN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Decatur is 21.3% cheaper than Franklin. With a cost index of 67 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Decatur to Franklin should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Decatur is $804/month compared to $1,127/month in Franklin — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Decatur is more affordable at $132,900 median vs $212,500.

Median household income in Decatur is $58,867 compared to $77,305 in Franklin (-23.9%). While Franklin is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Decatur spend roughly 16.4% of their income on rent, less than the 17.5% in Franklin.