Franklin, TN vs. Antioch, TN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Franklins and the Antiochs, both looking to relocate to the Nashville area. The Franklins find a charming 3-bedroom home for rent in Franklin, TN at $2,800 per month. Meanwhile, the Antiochs settle on a similar home in Antioch for $2,200. When the families get together to compare expenses, they discover some eye-opening differences.
“Our electric bill was $180 last month in Franklin,” Mrs. Franklin mentions. “Ours was only $140 here in Antioch,” Mrs. Antioch replies. The conversation turns to groceries. “I spent $220 on food this week,” Mr. Franklin chimes in. Mr. Antioch nods, “Sounds about the same for us, maybe $200.”
This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Franklin and Antioch. It’s perfect for families relocating to the Nashville area, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of living in these two popular suburbs in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare between Franklin and Antioch:
| Housing Type | Franklin | Antioch |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $2,100 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House | $2,800 | $2,200 |
🏆 Winner: Antioch. Housing costs are about 20-25% lower in Antioch compared to Franklin.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs also play a big role in monthly expenses. In Franklin, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, $40 for water, and $80 for gas. Antioch utility bills are a bit lower, averaging $140 for electricity, $30 for water, and $60 for gas.
Both cities experience hot summers and mild winters, so heating and cooling needs are fairly similar. Some neighborhoods in Antioch offer flat-rate community utilities that can provide additional savings.
🏆 Winner: Antioch has the edge on utility costs, with bills averaging about 15% less than Franklin.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are fairly comparable between the two cities, with a gallon of milk running about $3.50 and a loaf of bread around $2.80. Restaurant prices are also similar, with a basic meal out costing $12-15 per person in both Franklin and Antioch.
However, Franklin does have more upscale dining and shopping options, which can lead to higher spending for those who frequently eat out or have expensive tastes. Antioch has a wider selection of budget-friendly chains and local hole-in-the-wall gems.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are neck and neck between the two cities. Lifestyle has a bigger impact than location.
Taxes and Fees
Tennessee has no state income tax, so your paycheck will go a bit further than in many other states. However, sales tax and property tax can take a bite.
Sales tax is 9.25% in Franklin and 9.25% in Antioch. Property taxes are assessed based on home value. Franklin’s property tax rate is $2.87 per $100 of assessed value, while Antioch properties are taxed at a rate of $3.14 per $100. So for a $300,000 home, annual property taxes would be about $8,610 in Franklin and $9,420 in Antioch.
🏆 Winner: Franklin. While Antioch has lower housing costs, Franklin’s lower property tax rate can lead to long-term savings for homeowners.
Cost Summary
| Expense | Franklin | Antioch |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,800 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $300 | $260 |
| Groceries | $800 | $750 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes | $720 | $785 |
| Misc | $600 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,720 | $4,945 |
Lifestyle Fit
While cost is a major factor, it’s also important to consider lifestyle when choosing between Franklin and Antioch. Franklin offers a charming downtown, highly-rated schools, and a slightly shorter commute to Nashville. It has a more upscale feel overall.
Antioch provides more affordable living and a diverse, up-and-coming vibe. It’s a bit further from the city center but offers easier access to the airport and more budget-friendly entertainment options. Antioch is also about 2°F warmer than Franklin on average.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Franklin more affordable than Antioch?
No, Antioch is generally more affordable than Franklin, with lower housing and utility costs. However, Franklin can be cheaper for homeowners in the long run due to lower property taxes.
Which city has lower rent?
Antioch has lower rent prices than Franklin. On average, expect to pay about 20% less for an apartment or rental home in Antioch.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Antioch has lower home prices, but Franklin has lower property taxes. This means Antioch is often cheaper upfront, while Franklin can be more affordable over time. Compare total costs to determine which is the better deal for your situation.
Conclusion
Both Franklin and Antioch offer a high quality of life in the Nashville area, but with some key cost of living differences. Antioch is the clear choice for budget-conscious renters, while Franklin offers more upscale amenities and highly-rated schools that can be worth the added costs for many families. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and spending habits.
For a full breakdown of average monthly expenses in Franklin or to compare costs with other Nashville suburbs, check out our other guides. With a little research, you’ll be well on your way to finding your perfect hometown!