Is Worcester, MA cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Worcester, MA is 9.1% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $684 per month.

What salary do I need in Worcester, MA to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $141,794.441 in Worcester, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Worcester, MA?

Housing in Worcester, MA is 18.2% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,645/month in Worcester, MA compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Worcester, MA?

Moving from Boston, MA to Worcester, MA could save you approximately $684 per month, or $8206 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boston, MA vs Worcester, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $684/month moving to Worcester, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.8K in Worcester, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$684

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$961K

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

(9% below avg)

Median Home:$410K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 208K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Worcester, MA

Category	Boston, MA	Worcester, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,275/mo	$4,315/mo	↓ $960less	18.2%
Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,664/mo	↓ $167less	9.1%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,658/mo	↓ $166less	9.1%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $50.37less	4.7%
Healthcare	$743/mo	$709/mo	↓ $34.70less	4.7%
All Utilities	$716/mo	$682/mo	↓ $33.41less	4.7%

Housing

↓ 18.2%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Difference

$960

less

Transportation

↓ 9.1%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Difference

$167

less

Other

↓ 9.1%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Difference

$166

less

Groceries

↓ 4.7%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Difference

$50.37

less

Healthcare

↓ 4.7%

Boston, MA

$743

Worcester, MA

$709

Difference

$34.70

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.7%

Boston, MA

$716

Worcester, MA

$682

Difference

$33.41

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,275

↓ $1,820

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,282

↓ $1,973

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,645

↓ $2,220

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,039

↓ $2,591

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$1,412

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Worcester

$961K

Median Value

$410K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.4%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$188K - $530K

Homes in Worcester are 57% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Worcester

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Worcester, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.