Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Worcester is 79% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,415/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 31%
$67,544/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 23%
$339,500 ↑ 184%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 65%
$1,521/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 36%
205,501
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $15,374/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Lansing — common questions

Is Worcester or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Lansing?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Lansing?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $15,374/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Michigan?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Lansing

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Lansing vs. Las Cruces Lansing vs. Pompano Beach Lansing vs. Gresham Lansing vs. Peoria Lansing vs. Beaumont Lansing vs. Downey