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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Worcester is 19% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,415/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 29%
$67,544/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 43%
$339,500 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 19%
$1,521/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 18%
205,501
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $28,713/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Richardson — common questions

Is Worcester or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Richardson?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Richardson?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $28,713/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Richardson

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater