Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Worcester is 14% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,415/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 10%
$67,544/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 20%
$339,500 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 28%
$1,521/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 8%
205,501
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $13,545/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Worcester or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $13,545/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Michigan?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Ann Arbor details →

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