Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Reno is 17% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,453/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 3%
$78,448/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 14%
$498,600 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 32%
$1,482/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 3%
268,959
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,904/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Worcester — common questions

Is Reno or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Worcester?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Worcester?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $10,904/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Massachusetts?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Worcester details →

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