Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Worcester is 23% cheaper than Cary.

$1,415/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 15%
$67,544/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 92%
$339,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 55%
$1,521/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 15%
205,501
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $61,855/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Cary — common questions

Is Worcester or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Cary?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Cary?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $61,855/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Cary details →

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