Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Worcester is 39% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,415/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 19%
$67,544/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 14%
$339,500 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 42%
$1,521/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 23%
205,501
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $9,205/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Killeen — common questions

Is Worcester or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Killeen?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Killeen?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $9,205/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Killeen

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale