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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Worcester is 28% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,415/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 14%
$67,544/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 32%
$339,500 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 31%
$1,521/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 23%
205,501
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $21,933/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Worcester or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Gainesville?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Gainesville?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $21,933/year higher in Worcester.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

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Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia