Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Worcester is 32% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,415/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 27%
$67,544/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 68%
$339,500 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 77%
$1,521/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 28%
205,501
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $45,852/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Arvada — common questions

Is Worcester or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Arvada?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Arvada?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $45,852/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Colorado?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Arvada details →

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