Franklin, PA vs Hershey, PA

The cost of living difference between Franklin, PA and Hershey, PA is dramatic. Franklin is 35.1% cheaper than Hershey, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Franklin has a cost index of 65 while Hershey sits at 99, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Franklin is $731/month compared to $1,241/month in Hershey — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Franklin is more affordable at $109,200 median vs $339,300.

Median household income in Franklin is $54,955 compared to $78,750 in Hershey (-30.2%). The higher salaries in Hershey partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Franklin spend roughly 16% of their income on rent, less than the 18.9% in Hershey.