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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Salt Lake

Utah
117

Worcester is 13% cheaper than Salt Lake.

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Salt Lake — common questions

Is Worcester or Salt Lake 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?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Salt Lake it's $1,343/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Salt Lake?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $74,925 in Salt Lake. Median household income is $7,381/year higher in Salt Lake.
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?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Salt Lake has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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