Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Worcester is 35% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,415/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 24%
$67,544/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 16%
$339,500 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 46%
$1,521/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 30%
205,501
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $10,922/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Columbus — common questions

Is Worcester or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Columbus?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Columbus?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $10,922/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Georgia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Columbus details →