Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Worcester is 25% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,415/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 27%
$67,544/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 109%
$339,500 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 41%
$1,521/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 32%
205,501
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $73,809/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Worcester or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $73,809/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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