Is Worcester, MA cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Worcester, MA is 19.4% cheaper than Newark, NJ. This translates to saving $1455 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $132,543.879 in Worcester, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Newark, NJ and Worcester, MA?

Housing in Worcester, MA is 43.6% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,645/month in Worcester, MA compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

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

Moving from Newark, NJ to Worcester, MA could save you approximately $1455 per month, or $17456 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Newark, NJ vs Worcester, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Newark, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.5K/month moving to Worcester, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $132.5K in Worcester, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 19.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,455

Savings

Annual Impact

$17.5K

Per year

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

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$484K

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

(19% below avg)

Median Home:$410K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 312K residents.

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: Newark, NJ vs Worcester, MA

Category	Newark, NJ	Worcester, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$4,315/mo	↓ $3,333less	43.6%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,658/mo	↓ $376less	18.5%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $136less	11.7%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$682/mo	↑ $82.43more	13.7%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,664/mo	↑ $61.24more	3.8%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$709/mo	↑ $21.06more	3.1%

Housing

↓ 43.6%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Difference

$3,333

less

Other

↓ 18.5%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Difference

$376

less

Groceries

↓ 11.7%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Difference

$136

less

All Utilities

↑ 13.7%

Newark, NJ

$600

Worcester, MA

$682

Difference

$82.43

Transportation

↑ 3.8%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Difference

$61.24

Healthcare

↑ 3.1%

Newark, NJ

$688

Worcester, MA

$709

Difference

$21.06

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Newark, NJ: Newark Payroll Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Worcester, MA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,400

To$1,275

↓ $125

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$1,282

↓ $318

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$1,645

↓ $285

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$2,039

↓ $391

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Newark, NJ

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$3,680

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Worcester

$484K

Median Value

$410K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.4%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$188K - $530K

Homes in Worcester are 15% less expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark Calculate payment - Worcester

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $69.50

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$5.79

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Newark, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.