Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Worcester is 26% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,415/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 23%
$67,544/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 27%
$339,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 61%
$1,521/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 14%
205,501
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $18,245/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Worcester or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Lakewood?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Lakewood?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $18,245/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Colorado?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Lakewood 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 Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield