Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Vancouver, WA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Worcester is 15% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,415/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 15%
$67,544/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 16%
$339,500 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 30%
$1,521/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 6%
205,501
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $10,612/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Vancouver residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Worcester or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Vancouver?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Vancouver?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $10,612/year higher in Vancouver.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Washington?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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