Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs College Station, TX (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Worcester is 14% more expensive than College Station.

$1,415/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 17%
$67,544/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 23%
$339,500 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 4%
$1,521/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 18%
205,501
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $15,768/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs College Station — common questions

Is Worcester or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and College Station?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or College Station?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $15,768/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and College Station

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette