Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Chicago is 4% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,380/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 3%
$75,134/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 10%
$315,200 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 8%
$1,502/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 1%
2,707,648
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $7,590/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Worcester — common questions

Is Chicago or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Worcester?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Worcester?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $7,590/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Massachusetts?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Worcester details →

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