Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Seattle is 88% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,998/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 29%
$121,984/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 45%
$912,100 ↑ 169%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 63%
$2,220/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 31%
741,440
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $583/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $6,996/year.

Median household income is $54,440/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Worcester — common questions

Is Seattle or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Worcester?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $583/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Worcester?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $54,440/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Worcester details →

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