Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Worcester is 42% more expensive than High Point.

$1,415/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 25%
$67,544/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 9%
$339,500 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 37%
$1,521/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 29%
205,501
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $6,316/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs High Point — common questions

Is Worcester or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and High Point?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or High Point?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $6,316/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View High Point details →

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