Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Denver is 41% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,770/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 20%
$91,681/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 26%
$586,700 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 42%
$1,839/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 17%
713,734
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $24,137/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Worcester — common questions

Is Denver or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Worcester?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Worcester?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $24,137/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Worcester details →

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