Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Arlington is 9% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,389/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 2%
$73,519/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 8%
$276,400 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 23%
$1,420/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 7%
394,769
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,975/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Worcester — common questions

Is Arlington or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Worcester?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Worcester?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $5,975/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Worcester details →

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