Franklin, TN vs Oak Ridge, TN

The cost of living difference between Franklin, TN and Oak Ridge, TN is dramatic. Oak Ridge is 70.6% cheaper than Franklin, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Franklin has a cost index of 143 while Oak Ridge sits at 84, 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 $1,861/month compared to $1,076/month in Oak Ridge — a 73% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Oak Ridge is more affordable at $233,500 median vs $646,300.

Median household income in Franklin is $115,000 compared to $71,000 in Oak Ridge (+62%). The higher salaries in Franklin partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Franklin spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, more than the 18.2% in Oak Ridge.