Is Worcester, MA cheaper than Pittsburgh, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Worcester, MA is 52.2% more expensive than Pittsburgh, PA. This translates to spending an extra $3911 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Pittsburgh, PA, you'd need approximately $196,936.76 in Worcester, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Pittsburgh, PA and Worcester, MA?

Housing in Worcester, MA is 121.4% more expensive than in Pittsburgh, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,645/month in Worcester, MA compared to $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA.

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

Living in Worcester, MA costs approximately $3911 more per month than Pittsburgh, PA, or $46937 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Pittsburgh, PA 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 Pittsburgh, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.9K/month more in Worcester, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $196.9K in Worcester, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Pittsburgh, PA area

Overall Cost

↑ 52.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,911

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$46.9K

Per year

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

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

152

(52% above avg)

Median Home:$410K

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K 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: Pittsburgh, PA vs Worcester, MA

Category	Pittsburgh, PA	Worcester, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,949/mo	$4,315/mo	↑ $2,366more	121.4%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,664/mo	↑ $448more	36.8%
Healthcare	$527/mo	$709/mo	↑ $182more	34.6%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$682/mo	↑ $75.87more	12.5%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,658/mo	↑ $51.26more	3.2%
Groceries	$989/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $39.56more	4.0%

Housing

↑ 121.4%

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Difference

$2,366

Transportation

↑ 36.8%

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Difference

$448

Healthcare

↑ 34.6%

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Worcester, MA

$709

Difference

$182

All Utilities

↑ 12.5%

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Worcester, MA

$682

Difference

$75.87

Other

↑ 3.2%

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Difference

$51.26

Groceries

↑ 4.0%

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Difference

$39.56

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

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$750

To$1,275

↑ $525

1 Bed

From$850

To$1,282

↑ $432

2 Bed

From$1,050

To$1,645

↑ $595

3 Bed

From$1,400

To$2,039

↑ $639

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.

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$3,163

Difference

Home Values

Pittsburgh

Worcester

Median Value

$410K

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.4%

Price Range

$188K - $530K

Calculate payment - Worcester

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$241

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Pittsburgh, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.

Environment

Pittsburgh

Worcester

52 Moderate

Air Quality

36 Good

47.8%

Good Air Days

79.5%

98 High

Climate Risk

94 Moderate

🌊🌪💨

Top Hazards

🌊🌅🌀

▲+3.0°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.5°F

12 days

Heat Days >95°F

6 days

▲+3.0°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.5°F

12 days

Heat Days >95°F

6 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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New Comparison

You'd spend $3.9K/month more in Worcester, MA

Pittsburgh, PA

Worcester, MA

Pittsburgh, PA

Worcester, MA

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code9 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP9 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Pittsburgh, PA

Worcester, MA

Additional Tax Information

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Worcester, MA