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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Arlington is 95% more expensive than Worcester.

$2,275/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 38%
$140,160/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 52%
$864,800 ↑ 155%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 61%
$2,414/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 37%
235,463
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $860/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $10,320/year.

Median household income is $72,616/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Worcester — common questions

Is Arlington or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Worcester?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $860/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Worcester?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $72,616/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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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