Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Washington is 64% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,900/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 26%
$106,287/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 36%
$724,600 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 53%
$2,103/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 28%
672,079
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $38,743/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Worcester — common questions

Is Washington or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Worcester?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Worcester?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $38,743/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Massachusetts?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Worcester details →

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