Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Atlanta is 17% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,617/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 12%
$81,938/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 18%
$420,600 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 19%
$1,695/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 10%
499,287
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $14,394/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Worcester — common questions

Is Atlanta or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Worcester?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Worcester?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $14,394/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Massachusetts?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Worcester details →

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