Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Worcester is 5% more expensive than Providence.

$1,415/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 6%
$67,544/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 1%
$339,500 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 5%
$1,521/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 4%
205,501
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $772/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Providence — common questions

Is Worcester or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Providence?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Providence?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $772/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Rhode Island?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Providence details →

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