Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Plano is 27% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,792/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 21%
$108,649/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 38%
$440,600 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 23%
$1,829/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 17%
287,339
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $41,105/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Worcester — common questions

Is Plano or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Worcester?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Worcester?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $41,105/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Worcester details →

More Comparisons

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