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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Austin is 29% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,655/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 15%
$91,461/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 26%
$512,700 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 34%
$1,747/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 13%
967,862
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $240/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $2,880/year.

Median household income is $23,917/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Worcester — common questions

Is Austin or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Worcester?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $240/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Worcester?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $23,917/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Worcester details →

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