Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Worcester is 24% cheaper than Allen.

$1,415/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 33%
$67,544/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 91%
$339,500 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 27%
$1,521/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 37%
205,501
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $462/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $5,544/year.

Median household income is $61,586/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Allen — common questions

Is Worcester or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Allen?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $462/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Allen?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $61,586/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Allen details →

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