Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Worcester is 68% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,415/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 26%
$67,544/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 34%
$339,500 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 59%
$1,521/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 35%
205,501
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $23,168/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Worcester or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Birmingham?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Birmingham?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $23,168/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Alabama?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery