Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Tampa is 9% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,567/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 10%
$71,302/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 5%
$375,300 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 10%
$1,553/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 2%
393,389
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $3,758/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Worcester — common questions

Is Tampa or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Worcester?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Worcester?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $3,758/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Massachusetts?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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.
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