Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Worcester is 32% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,415/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 21%
$67,544/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 24%
$339,500 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 34%
$1,521/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 16%
205,501
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $16,205/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Springfield — common questions

Is Worcester or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Springfield?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Springfield?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $16,205/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Massachusetts?
Both cities are in Massachusetts and share the same state tax rates: 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Springfield details →

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