Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Worcester, MA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

New York is 60% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,779/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 20%
$79,713/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 15%
$751,700 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 55%
$1,837/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 17%
8,516,202
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $12,169/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Worcester — common questions

Is New York or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Worcester?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Worcester?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $12,169/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Massachusetts?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Worcester details →

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