Is New York, NY cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, New York, NY is 24.1% more expensive than Worcester, MA. This translates to spending an extra $1805 per month.

What salary do I need in New York, NY to live like I do in Worcester, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $171,656.561 in New York, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Worcester, MA and New York, NY?

Housing in New York, NY is 77.2% more expensive than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,590/month in New York, NY compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

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

Living in New York, NY costs approximately $1805 more per month than Worcester, MA, or $21657 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA vs New York, NY: 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 $1.8K/month more in New York, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $171.7K in New York, NY

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

Overall Cost

↑ 24.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,805

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$21.7K

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 York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:

124

(24% above avg)

Median Home:$1.05M

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Worcester, MA vs New York, NY

Category	Worcester, MA	New York, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,315/mo	$7,648/mo	↑ $3,333more	77.2%
Other	$1,658/mo	$2,034/mo	↑ $376more	22.7%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,165/mo	↑ $136more	13.2%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$600/mo	↓ $82.43less	12.1%
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,602/mo	↓ $61.24less	3.7%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$688/mo	↓ $21.06less	3.0%

Housing

↑ 77.2%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

New York, NY

$7,648

Difference

$3,333

Other

↑ 22.7%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

New York, NY

$2,034

Difference

$376

Groceries

↑ 13.2%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

New York, NY

$1,165

Difference

$136

All Utilities

↓ 12.1%

Worcester, MA

$682

New York, NY

$600

Difference

$82.43

less

Transportation

↓ 3.7%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

New York, NY

$1,602

Difference

$61.24

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.0%

Worcester, MA

$709

New York, NY

$688

Difference

$21.06

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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$1,275

To$3,120

↑ $1,845

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$3,270

↑ $1,988

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$3,590

↑ $1,945

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$4,500

↑ $2,461

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/mo

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$3,680

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

New York

$410K

Median Value

$1.05M

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.1%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.9%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$471K - $3.49M

Homes in New York are 156% more expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - New York

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$170

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

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 York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

Additional Tax Information

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

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.