Is Worcester, MA cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, Worcester, MA is 0.2% more expensive than Providence, RI. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $150,222.748 in Worcester, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Providence, RI and Worcester, MA?

Housing in Worcester, MA is 0.2% more expensive than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,645/month in Worcester, MA compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

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

Providence, RI and Worcester, MA have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI 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 Providence, RI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $18.56/month more in Worcester, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.2K in Worcester, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area

Overall Cost

↑ 0.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$18.56

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$223

Per year

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

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$430K

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

100

(0% above avg)

Median Home:$410K

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Rhode Island, this city has a population of 191K 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: Providence, RI vs Worcester, MA

Category	Providence, RI	Worcester, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,304/mo	$4,315/mo	↑ $10.65more	0.2%
Transportation	$1,659/mo	$1,664/mo	↑ $4.11more	0.2%
Other	$1,654/mo	$1,658/mo	↑ $4.09more	0.2%
Groceries	$1,028/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $1.27more	0.1%
Healthcare	$708/mo	$709/mo	↑ $0.88more	0.1%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$682/mo	↑ $0.84more	0.1%

Housing

↑ 0.2%

Providence, RI

$4,304

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Difference

$10.65

Transportation

↑ 0.2%

Providence, RI

$1,659

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Difference

$4.11

Other

↑ 0.2%

Providence, RI

$1,654

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Difference

$4.09

Groceries

↑ 0.1%

Providence, RI

$1,028

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Difference

$1.27

Healthcare

↑ 0.1%

Providence, RI

$708

Worcester, MA

$709

Difference

$0.88

All Utilities

↑ 0.1%

Providence, RI

$682

Worcester, MA

$682

Difference

$0.84

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,372

To$1,275

↓ $97.00

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$1,282

↓ $182

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$1,645

↓ $158

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$2,039

↓ $142

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/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.

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$21.84

Difference

Home Values

Providence

Worcester

$430K

Median Value

$410K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.4%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$188K - $530K

Homes in Worcester are 5% less expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - Worcester

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$88.08

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Providence, RI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Rhode Island State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.0%

$43.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,879/month

$106.5K

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

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

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.