Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Peoria, AZ (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Peoria

Arizona
125

Worcester is 17% cheaper than Peoria.

$1,415/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,743/mo ↑ 23%
$67,544/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$93,403/yr ↑ 38%
$339,500 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$429,400 ↑ 26%
$1,521/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,589/mo ↑ 4%
205,501
Population
194,338

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Peoria, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 125 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $25,859/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $429,400 in Peoria.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Peoria — common questions

Is Worcester or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 125 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Peoria?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Peoria it's $1,743/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Peoria?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $93,403 in Peoria. Median household income is $25,859/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Arizona?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 125 with rent of $1,743/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Peoria details →

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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 Peoria vs. Huntington Beach Peoria vs. Knoxville Peoria vs. Overland Park Peoria vs. Vancouver Peoria vs. Sioux Falls Peoria vs. Glendale