Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Worcester is 21% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,415/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 26%
$67,544/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 18%
$339,500 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 34%
$1,521/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 17%
205,501
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $12,391/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Worcester or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $12,391/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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