Is Boston, MA cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 10.0% more expensive than Worcester, MA. This translates to spending an extra $752 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $159,028.735 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 22.3% more expensive than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $752 more per month than Worcester, MA, or $9029 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA vs Boston, 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 Worcester, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $752/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.0K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 10.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$752

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.0K

Per year

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

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$410K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

110

(10% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Worcester, MA vs Boston, MA

Category	Worcester, MA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,315/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $960more	22.3%
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $167more	10.0%
Other	$1,658/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $166more	10.0%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $50.37more	4.9%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$743/mo	↑ $34.70more	4.9%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$716/mo	↑ $33.41more	4.9%

Housing

↑ 22.3%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$960

Transportation

↑ 10.0%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$167

Other

↑ 10.0%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$166

Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$50.37

Healthcare

↑ 4.9%

Worcester, MA

$709

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$34.70

All Utilities

↑ 4.9%

Worcester, MA

$682

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$33.41

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,275

To$3,095

↑ $1,820

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$3,255

↑ $1,973

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$3,865

↑ $2,220

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$4,630

↑ $2,591

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$1,412

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

Boston

$410K

Median Value

$961K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 134% more expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - Boston

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Boston, 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.