Is Worcester, MA cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Worcester, MA is 10.9% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $818 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $140,180.077 in Worcester, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, DC and Worcester, MA?

Housing in Worcester, MA is 30.5% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,645/month in Worcester, MA compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

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

Moving from Washington, DC to Worcester, MA could save you approximately $818 per month, or $9820 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $818/month moving to Worcester, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.2K in Worcester, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 10.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$818

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.8K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$556K

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

(11% below avg)

Median Home:$410K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs Worcester, MA

Category	Washington, DC	Worcester, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,211/mo	$4,315/mo	↓ $1,896less	30.5%
Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,664/mo	↓ $222less	11.8%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$682/mo	↑ $174more	34.3%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,658/mo	↓ $166less	9.1%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$709/mo	↑ $76.82more	12.2%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $50.37less	4.7%

Housing

↓ 30.5%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Difference

$1,896

less

Transportation

↓ 11.8%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Difference

$222

less

All Utilities

↑ 34.3%

Washington, DC

$508

Worcester, MA

$682

Difference

$174

Other

↓ 9.1%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Difference

$166

less

Healthcare

↑ 12.2%

Washington, DC

$632

Worcester, MA

$709

Difference

$76.82

Groceries

↓ 4.7%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Difference

$50.37

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$1,275

↓ $875

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,282

↓ $933

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,645

↓ $825

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$2,039

↓ $1,076

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$2,083

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Worcester

$556K

Median Value

$410K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.4%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$188K - $530K

Homes in Worcester are 26% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Worcester

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$304

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.