Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Worcester is 14% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,415/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 5%
$67,544/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$67,521/yr ≈ Same
$339,500 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 27%
$1,521/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 21%
205,501
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $23/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Worcester or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $23/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Palm Bay

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock