Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Worcester is 28% cheaper than Kent.

$1,415/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 30%
$67,544/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 34%
$339,500 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 58%
$1,521/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 26%
205,501
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $418/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $5,016/year.

Median household income is $22,872/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Kent — common questions

Is Worcester or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Kent?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $418/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Kent?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $22,872/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Washington?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Kent details →

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