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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Worcester is 70% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,415/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 33%
$67,544/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 13%
$339,500 ↑ 127%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 56%
$1,521/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 34%
205,501
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $8,828/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois 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, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 104 (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 $951/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Peoria?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $8,828/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% 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 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Peoria 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 Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo