Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Warren, MI (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Warren

Michigan
73

Worcester is 42% more expensive than Warren.

$1,415/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,184/mo ↓ 16%
$67,544/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,741/yr ↓ 6%
$339,500 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$181,900 ↓ 46%
$1,521/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,098/mo ↓ 28%
205,501
Population
138,128

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Warren, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Warren, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $3,803/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $181,900 in Warren.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Warren slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Warren — common questions

Is Worcester or Warren cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Warren is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Warren?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Warren it's $1,184/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Warren?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $63,741 in Warren. Median household income is $3,803/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Michigan?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Warren?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Warren has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,184/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Warren details →

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