Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Worcester is 56% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,415/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 94%
$67,544/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 87%
$339,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 206%
$1,521/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 73%
205,501
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,327/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $15,924/year.

Median household income is $58,925/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Worcester or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Cambridge?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,327/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Cambridge?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $58,925/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Massachusetts?
Both cities are in Massachusetts and share the same state tax rates: 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Cambridge details →

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