Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Worcester is 13% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,415/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 21%
$67,544/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 3%
$339,500 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 9%
$1,521/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 10%
205,501
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $1,717/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Worcester or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $1,717/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and West Palm Beach

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings