Is New Haven, CT cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, New Haven, CT is 14.6% cheaper than Worcester, MA. This translates to saving $1097 per month.

What salary do I need in New Haven, CT to live like I do in Worcester, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $136,841.026 in New Haven, CT to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Worcester, MA and New Haven, CT?

Housing in New Haven, CT is 9.8% more expensive than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,193/month in New Haven, CT compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Worcester, MA to New Haven, CT?

Moving from Worcester, MA to New Haven, CT could save you approximately $1097 per month, or $13159 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA vs New Haven, CT: 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 save $1.1K/month moving to New Haven, CT

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.8K in New Haven, CT

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

Overall Cost

↓ 14.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,097

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.2K

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

New Haven, CT

Population:135K

Cost Index:

(15% below avg)

Median Home:$353K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

New Haven, CT

The Constitution State

135K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Connecticut, this city has a population of 135K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Worcester, MA vs New Haven, CT

Category	Worcester, MA	New Haven, CT	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,103/mo	↓ $561less	33.7%
Housing	$4,315/mo	$4,737/mo	↑ $422more	9.8%
Other	$1,658/mo	$1,400/mo	↓ $259less	15.6%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$498/mo	↓ $185less	27.1%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$571/mo	↓ $138less	19.5%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$967/mo	↓ $62.26less	6.1%

Transportation

↓ 33.7%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

New Haven, CT

$1,103

Difference

$561

less

Housing

↑ 9.8%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

New Haven, CT

$4,737

Difference

$422

Other

↓ 15.6%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

New Haven, CT

$1,400

Difference

$259

less

All Utilities

↓ 27.1%

Worcester, MA

$682

New Haven, CT

$498

Difference

$185

less

Healthcare

↓ 19.5%

Worcester, MA

$709

New Haven, CT

$571

Difference

$138

less

Groceries

↓ 6.1%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

New Haven, CT

$967

Difference

$62.26

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,275

To$831

↓ $444

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$965

↓ $317

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$1,193

↓ $452

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$1,474

↓ $565

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/mo

New Haven, CTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,520–$2,100/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

$9,274

Monthly in New Haven, CT

$783

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

New Haven

$410K

Median Value

$353K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↑ +3.5%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +43.5%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$286K - $385K

Homes in New Haven are 14% less expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - New Haven

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $550

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$45.83

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

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

New Haven, CT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Connecticut State Tax

Effective: 5.4%

$8.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$45.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,745/month

$104.9K

Additional Tax Information

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

New Haven, CT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:2.1%

💡 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.