Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Boston is 69% more expensive than Worcester.

$2,093/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 32%
$94,755/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 29%
$710,400 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 52%
$2,176/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 30%
663,972
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $678/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $8,136/year.

Median household income is $27,211/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Worcester — common questions

Is Boston or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Worcester?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $678/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Worcester?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $27,211/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Massachusetts?
Both cities are in Massachusetts and share the same state tax rates: 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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