Alexandria vs Franklin
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Alexandria
Franklin
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 4.3%, with Franklin being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Alexandria has equivalent purchasing power to $71,897 in Franklin.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Alexandria has the same purchasing power as $71,897 in Franklin.
Conversely, $75,000 in Franklin equals $78,237 in Alexandria.
Living in Alexandria vs Franklin
Housing Costs
Alexandria's housing index of 201 is lower Franklin's 230, translating to median home prices of $590,000 vs $750,000. The $160,000 difference in home prices means roughly $10,404 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,125/mo in Alexandria compared to $1,850/mo in Franklin, a monthly difference of $275.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 113 in Alexandria and 100 in Franklin. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $537/month in Alexandria vs $475/month in Franklin. Franklin offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $744/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 97 in Alexandria and 97 in Franklin. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Alexandria vs $388 in Franklin. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 102 in Alexandria and 91 in Franklin. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 11-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $119,700 in Alexandria and $118,200 in Franklin. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $82,552 and $85,036 respectively. Franklin residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $2,793/month to housing in Alexandria vs $2,758/month in Franklin. In Alexandria, median rent of $2,125/mo fits within this budget. In Franklin, median rent of $1,850/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 29 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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