Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Worcester is 25% more expensive than Athens.

$1,415/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 18%
$67,544/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 24%
$339,500 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 20%
$1,521/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 24%
205,501
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $15,889/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Athens — common questions

Is Worcester or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Athens?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Athens?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $15,889/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Georgia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Athens details →

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