Is Portland, OR cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Portland, OR is 4.0% cheaper than Worcester, MA. This translates to saving $300 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $146,400.91 in Portland, OR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Worcester, MA and Portland, OR?

Housing in Portland, OR is 9.0% more expensive than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,900/month in Portland, OR compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

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

Moving from Worcester, MA to Portland, OR could save you approximately $300 per month, or $3599 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA vs Portland, OR: 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 $300/month moving to Portland, OR

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.4K in Portland, OR

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$300

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.6K

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

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$535K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Portland, OR

The Beaver State

641K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Craft beer capital
•Foodie destination
•Keep Portland Weird

Major Industries

TechnologyManufacturingFood & BeverageTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Worcester, MA vs Portland, OR

Category	Worcester, MA	Portland, OR	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,315/mo	$4,704/mo	↑ $389more	9.0%
Other	$1,658/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $267more	16.1%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$475/mo	↓ $207less	30.3%
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,721/mo	↑ $57.61more	3.5%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$663/mo	↓ $45.84less	6.5%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $40.38more	3.9%

Housing

↑ 9.0%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Portland, OR

$4,704

Difference

$389

Other

↑ 16.1%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Portland, OR

$1,925

Difference

$267

All Utilities

↓ 30.3%

Worcester, MA

$682

Portland, OR

$475

Difference

$207

less

Transportation

↑ 3.5%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Portland, OR

$1,721

Difference

$57.61

Healthcare

↓ 6.5%

Worcester, MA

$709

Portland, OR

$663

Difference

$45.84

less

Groceries

↑ 3.9%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Portland, OR

$1,069

Difference

$40.38

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Portland, OR: Multnomah County Preschool for All$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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$1,555

↑ $280

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$1,655

↑ $373

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$1,900

↑ $255

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$2,590

↑ $551

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/mo

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/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

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$501

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

Portland

$410K

Median Value

$535K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.2%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +7.2%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$351K - $760K

Homes in Portland are 30% more expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - Portland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $8.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$668

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.3%

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

Portland, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

Additional Tax Information

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.