Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Worcester is 18% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,415/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 5%
$67,544/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$67,758/yr ≈ Same
$339,500 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 31%
$1,521/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 11%
205,501
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $214/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Hampton — common questions

Is Worcester or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Hampton?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Hampton?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $214/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Virginia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Hampton details →

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