Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Philadelphia is 18% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,323/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 7%
$60,698/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 11%
$232,400 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 46%
$1,233/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 23%
1,582,432
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $6,846/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Worcester — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Worcester?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Worcester?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $6,846/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Worcester details →

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