Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Richmond is 6% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,314/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 8%
$62,671/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 8%
$328,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 3%
$1,374/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 11%
227,595
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $4,873/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Worcester — common questions

Is Richmond or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Worcester?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Worcester?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $4,873/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Worcester details →

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