Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 23.8% cheaper than Worcester, MA. This translates to saving $1784 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $128,589.03 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Worcester, MA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 35.4% cheaper than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

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

Moving from Worcester, MA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $1784 per month, or $21411 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Worcester, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Worcester, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.6K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 23.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,784

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.4K

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

Median Home:$410K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:76

Median Home:$414K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Worcester, MA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Worcester, MA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,315/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $1,527less	35.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $175less	10.5%
⚡All Utilities	$682/mo	$561/mo	↓ $121less	17.8%
🏥Healthcare	$709/mo	$589/mo	↓ $120less	17.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$963/mo	↓ $65.54less	6.4%
📦Other	$1,658/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $19.05more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.4%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$1,527

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 10.5%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$175

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 17.8%

Worcester, MA

$682

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$121

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 17.0%

Worcester, MA

$709

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$120

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$65.54

less

📦Other

↑ 1.1%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$19.05

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,275

To$1,390

↑ $115

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$1,510

↑ $228

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$1,750

↑ $105

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$2,330

↑ $291

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,989

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

Phoenix

$410K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 1% more expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$189

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.