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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Worcester is 5% more expensive than Midland.

$1,415/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ≈ Same
$67,544/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 35%
$339,500 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 12%
$1,521/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 3%
205,501
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $23,625/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Midland — common questions

Is Worcester or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Midland?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Midland?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $23,625/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Midland

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven