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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Worcester is 40% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,415/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 44%
$67,544/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 68%
$339,500 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 105%
$1,521/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 43%
205,501
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $46,094/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Worcester or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Alexandria?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $616/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Alexandria?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $46,094/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Virginia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Alexandria details →

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