Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Indianapolis is 29% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,112/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 27%
$62,995/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 7%
$207,000 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 64%
$1,124/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 35%
882,043
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $303/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $3,636/year.

Median household income is $4,549/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Worcester — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Worcester?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $303/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Worcester?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $4,549/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Massachusetts?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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