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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Worcester is 25% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,415/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 7%
$67,544/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 8%
$339,500 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 39%
$1,521/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 18%
205,501
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $5,486/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Odessa — common questions

Is Worcester or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Odessa?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Odessa?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $5,486/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Odessa

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham