Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 27.0% more expensive than Worcester, MA. This translates to spending an extra $2026 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Worcester, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $174,315.05 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Worcester, MA and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 74.7% more expensive than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Worcester, MA to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $2026 more per month than Worcester, MA, or $24315 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA vs Seattle, WA: 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 $2.0K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $174.3K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 27.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,026

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$24.3K

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

127

(27% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Worcester, MA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Worcester, MA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,315/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $3,221more	74.7%
Other	$1,658/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $317more	19.1%
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $235more	14.1%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$481/mo	↓ $202less	29.5%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$824/mo	↑ $115more	16.3%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $50.37more	4.9%

Housing

↑ 74.7%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$3,221

Other

↑ 19.1%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$317

Transportation

↑ 14.1%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$235

All Utilities

↓ 29.5%

Worcester, MA

$682

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$202

less

Healthcare

↑ 16.3%

Worcester, MA

$709

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$115

Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$50.37

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,275

To$2,180

↑ $905

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$2,260

↑ $978

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$2,630

↑ $985

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$3,440

↑ $1,401

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$3,738

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

Seattle

$410K

Median Value

$808K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 97% more expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

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.