Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Worcester is 12% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,415/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 7%
$67,544/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 30%
$339,500 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 15%
$1,521/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 12%
205,501
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $20,223/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Rochester — common questions

Is Worcester or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Rochester?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Rochester?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $20,223/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Minnesota?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Rochester details →

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