Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Worcester is 55% more expensive than Independence.

$1,415/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 25%
$67,544/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 12%
$339,500 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 51%
$1,521/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 31%
205,501
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $8,064/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Independence — common questions

Is Worcester or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Independence?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Independence?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $8,064/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Missouri?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Independence 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 Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor