Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Worcester is 32% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,415/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 11%
$67,544/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 3%
$339,500 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 39%
$1,521/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 23%
205,501
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $2,352/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Worcester or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Dearborn?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Dearborn?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $2,352/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Michigan?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Dearborn details →

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