Is Rochester, NY cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Rochester, NY is 28.9% cheaper than Worcester, MA. This translates to saving $2169 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $123,972.796 in Rochester, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Rochester, NY is 51.1% cheaper than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,633/month in Rochester, NY compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

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

Moving from Worcester, MA to Rochester, NY could save you approximately $2169 per month, or $26027 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA vs Rochester, 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 save $2.2K/month moving to Rochester, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.0K in Rochester, NY

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

Overall Cost

↓ 28.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,169

Savings

Annual Impact

$26.0K

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

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

(29% below avg)

Median Home:$198K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Worcester, MA vs Rochester, NY

Category	Worcester, MA	Rochester, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,315/mo	$2,108/mo	↓ $2,207less	51.1%
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,315/mo	↓ $349less	21.0%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$548/mo	↓ $161less	22.7%
Other	$1,658/mo	$1,738/mo	↑ $79.73more	4.8%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$631/mo	↓ $51.64less	7.6%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $0.03less	0.0%

Housing

↓ 51.1%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Difference

$2,207

less

Transportation

↓ 21.0%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Difference

$349

less

Healthcare

↓ 22.7%

Worcester, MA

$709

Rochester, NY

$548

Difference

$161

less

Other

↑ 4.8%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Difference

$79.73

All Utilities

↓ 7.6%

Worcester, MA

$682

Rochester, NY

$631

Difference

$51.64

less

Groceries

↓ 0.0%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Difference

$0.03

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,275

To$1,157

↓ $118

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$1,309

↑ $27.00

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$1,633

↓ $12.00

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$1,968

↓ $71.00

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/mo

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$1,880/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

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$2,689

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

Rochester

$410K

Median Value

$198K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↑ +2.3%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.8%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$90K - $334K

Homes in Rochester are 52% less expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - Rochester

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

Rochester, 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%

Rochester, 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.