Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Worcester is 9% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,415/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 2%
$67,544/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 20%
$339,500 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 27%
$1,521/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ≈ Same
205,501
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,773/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making New Haven slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs New Haven — common questions

Is Worcester or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and New Haven?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or New Haven?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $13,773/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Connecticut?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View New Haven 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 New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo