Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts

104

Salt Lake City

Utah

117

Worcester is 13% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,415/mo ↑ 5%

Median Rent

$1,343/mo ↓ 5%

$67,544/yr ↓ 10%

Median Income

$74,925/yr ↑ 11%

$339,500 ↓ 32%

Home Value

$495,700 ↑ 46%

$1,521/mo ↑ 9%

Owner Costs

$1,394/mo ↓ 8%

205,501

Population

203,888

Tax Comparison

9.0%

Income Tax

4.65%

6.25%

Sales Tax

6.1%

1.15%

Property Tax

0.58%

Affordability

25.1%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.5%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $7,381/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Worcester or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 117 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Worcester and Salt Lake City?

Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $72/month.

Which city has higher income, Worcester or Salt Lake City?

Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $7,381/year higher in Salt Lake City.

How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Utah?

Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.

Should I move to Worcester or Salt Lake City?

It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.