Let’s Set the Stage
How much is enough to feel at ease in Franklin, TN? For many, living comfortably means balancing affordable housing with convenient amenities, but the cost varies greatly across neighborhoods in Franklin. In this guide, we’ll explore how much it costs to live comfortably in Franklin in 2025, taking into account income benchmarks, housing norms, and regional expectations.
Living comfortably often means having enough income to cover essential expenses like housing, food, healthcare, and transportation, while still having some flexibility for savings, leisure, and unexpected costs. However, the exact amount needed depends heavily on your household size, lifestyle preferences, and which part of Franklin you call home.
Essential Monthly Costs
To get a baseline for how much you need to live comfortably in Franklin, let’s break down the necessary expenses for a single adult. These include:
- Housing: $1,200 – $1,800 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Utilities: $150 – $250 for electricity, gas, water, and internet
- Transportation: $200 – $400 for car payment, insurance, and gas
- Groceries: $300 – $500 for a balanced diet
- Healthcare: $200 – $400 for insurance premiums and routine care
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing | $1,500 |
| Utilities | $200 |
| Transportation | $300 |
| Groceries | $400 |
| Healthcare | $300 |
| Total | $2,700 |
🏆 Quick Stat: Average rent for a 1BR apartment in Franklin: $1,500/month.
Comfortable Lifestyles by Household Type
Of course, your household size and composition greatly impact how much you need to live comfortably in Franklin. Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly expenses for different household types:
| Household Type | Monthly Income Needed |
|---|---|
| Single adult | $3,500 – $4,500 |
| Couple without children | $5,000 – $6,500 |
| Family of four | $7,000 – $9,000 |
In Franklin, a couple without kids might be able to live comfortably on $5,000/month, but families often need more space, pushing housing costs higher. Childcare expenses can also add $1,000+ per month, making a higher income necessary for a similar level of comfort.
It’s important to note that these figures represent gross monthly income, meaning your total earnings before taxes and deductions. To calculate your take-home pay and build a detailed monthly budget for Franklin, be sure to account for income taxes, retirement contributions, and other withholdings.
Hidden or Overlooked Costs
When estimating how much you need to live comfortably in Franklin, don’t forget to budget for expenses that are easy to overlook:
- In some neighborhoods of Franklin, homeowners can pay up to $300/month for HOA dues, while renters might only face minimal service fees.
- If you have young children, childcare costs can easily exceed $1,000/month for full-time care.
- Commuting to Nashville for work? Budget extra for gas, tolls, and vehicle wear-and-tear, which can add $200+ per month.
- Franklin summers are hot and humid, so expect higher electricity bills May through September as you run the A/C more often.
Ways to Stretch Your Budget in Franklin
While Franklin’s cost of living is higher than the national average, there are still plenty of ways to make your money go further:
- Many Franklin residents save on utilities by using off-peak rates for electricity in the summer months.
- Take advantage of local discount programs like the Franklin Farmers’ Market, which offers fresh produce at below-retail prices.
- Consider downsizing or living further from the city center to secure lower rent or mortgage payments.
- Use couponing apps and loyalty programs to save on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and household items.
Which Lifestyle Fits You Best?
Ultimately, how much you need to live comfortably in Franklin depends on your unique priorities and stage of life. Consider these benchmarks:
If you value space and privacy, a $4,500/month lifestyle may be more realistic for a single person in Franklin.
Young professionals may find it easier to manage a more compact budget by living with roommates or choosing a smaller apartment. However, families will need more flexibility for expenses like childcare, transportation, and healthcare.
For a family of four, an income of $7,000 – $9,000 per month is a comfortable range in most parts of Franklin.
FAQs About Comfort & Cost
Q: What is a comfortable salary in Franklin?
A: A comfortable salary for a single person in Franklin is around $50,000 per year ($4,200/month), while a family of four may need closer to $100,000 per year ($8,300/month) to live comfortably.
Q: Can you live well on $3,000/month in Franklin?
A: $3,000 per month is doable for a single person in Franklin, but you may need to live with roommates or commute from a cheaper area. Stick to a tight budget and take advantage of free local amenities to make it work.
Q: What costs surprise new residents in Franklin?
A: New Franklin residents are often caught off guard by high utility costs, especially for air conditioning in the summer. Childcare and HOA fees can also be surprisingly expensive if you’re not used to budgeting for them.
Final Thoughts
By now, you should have a clearer picture of how much you need to live comfortably in Franklin, whether you’re a single professional, a couple, or a growing family. While exact numbers vary, you can expect to need $3,500 – $4,500 per month to live comfortably as a single person, $5,000 – $6,500 for a couple, and $7,000 – $9,000 for a family of four.
Of course, your mileage may vary depending on your neighborhood, lifestyle, and spending habits. For a more precise estimate, try using a Franklin cost of living calculator or comparing your budget to the average monthly expenses in Franklin.