Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Raleigh is 6% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,468/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 4%
$82,424/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 18%
$377,800 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 10%
$1,487/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 2%
470,763
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $14,880/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Worcester — common questions

Is Raleigh or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Worcester?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Worcester?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $14,880/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Worcester details →

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