Median rent is 15% lower in Worcester ($1,415/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Worcester, where the median home runs $339,500 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $67,544 a year). Taken together, Worcester is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.0 against 98.8 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Worcester is 3% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.0 in Worcester vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Worcester, MA
How much would you need to earn in Worcester, MA to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Worcester, MA
$72,875
You could earn $2,125 less (3% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Worcester
Massachusetts
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Worcester at $1,415/mo compared to $1,655/mo in Austin (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $339,500 in Worcester — 34% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Massachusetts tops out at 9.00% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Massachusetts; Worcester has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Worcester
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Worcester has cleaner air on average: 32.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Worcester if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,415/mo median).
Pick Worcester if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 32.0).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Worcester?
Worcester is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.0 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Worcester.
How much is rent in Austin vs Worcester?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,415/mo in Worcester, MA. Worcester, MA has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Worcester?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $67,544 in Worcester, MA. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Worcester, MA has better air quality on average: 32.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Worcester?
Texas has no state income tax. Massachusetts has a top rate of 9.00%.
What salary do I need in Worcester to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $97,166 in Worcester, MA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology