Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Worcester is 4% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,415/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 20%
$67,544/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 14%
$339,500 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 13%
$1,521/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 2%
205,501
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $276/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $3,312/year.

Median household income is $9,524/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Brandon — common questions

Is Worcester or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Brandon?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $276/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Brandon?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $9,524/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Brandon details →

More Comparisons

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