Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Portland is 33% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,596/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 11%
$88,792/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 24%
$557,600 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 39%
$1,771/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 14%
642,715
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $21,248/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Worcester — common questions

Is Portland or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Worcester?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Worcester?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $21,248/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Massachusetts?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Worcester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Worcester

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock