Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Worcester is 76% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,415/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 29%
$67,544/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 32%
$339,500 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 63%
$1,521/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 36%
205,501
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $417/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $5,004/year.

Median household income is $21,699/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Worcester or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Syracuse?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $417/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Syracuse?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $21,699/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New York?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

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