Is Washington, DC cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 12.2% more expensive than Worcester, MA. This translates to spending an extra $919 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Worcester, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $161,022.602 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Worcester, MA and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 43.9% more expensive than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Worcester, MA to Washington, DC?

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $919 more per month than Worcester, MA, or $11023 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA vs Washington, DC: 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 $919/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.0K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 12.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$919

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.0K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

112

(12% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Worcester, MA vs Washington, DC

Category	Worcester, MA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,315/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $1,896more	43.9%
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $222more	13.3%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$508/mo	↓ $174less	25.5%
Other	$1,658/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $166more	10.0%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$632/mo	↓ $76.82less	10.8%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $50.37more	4.9%

Housing

↑ 43.9%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$1,896

Transportation

↑ 13.3%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$222

All Utilities

↓ 25.5%

Worcester, MA

$682

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$174

less

Other

↑ 10.0%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$166

Healthcare

↓ 10.8%

Worcester, MA

$709

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$76.82

less

Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$50.37

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,275

To$2,150

↑ $875

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$2,215

↑ $933

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$2,470

↑ $825

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$3,115

↑ $1,076

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$2,083

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

Washington

$410K

Median Value

$556K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 36% more expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$304

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

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.