Median rent is 32% lower in Worcester ($1,415/mo vs $2,093/mo). Buying is cheaper in Worcester, where the median home runs $339,500 versus $710,400. Households earn more in Boston ($94,755 vs $67,544 a year). Taken together, Worcester is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.0 against 112.2 — about 14% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boston, MA.
Quick verdict
Worcester is 14% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.0 in Worcester vs 112.2 in Boston (US average = 100)
City A
Boston, MA
City B
Worcester, MA
How much would you need to earn in Worcester, MA to maintain your standard of living from Boston, MA?
Equivalent salary in Worcester, MA
$64,185
You could earn $10,815 less (14% 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
Boston
Massachusetts
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Worcester — median rent of $1,415/mo versus $2,093/mo in Boston, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Boston: the median home is $710,400 versus $339,500 in Worcester — 52% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% versus 9.00% in Massachusetts, so Worcester is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Massachusetts and 6.25% in Massachusetts; Worcester has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boston
Income tax: 9.00%
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 41.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Worcester if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.0 vs 112.2).
Pick Boston if you prioritize higher median household income ($94,755/yr).
Pick Worcester if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,415/mo median).
Pick Worcester if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 32.0).
Is Boston cheaper than Worcester?
Worcester is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.0 versus 112.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in Worcester.
How much is rent in Boston vs Worcester?
Median rent is $2,093/mo in Boston, MA and $1,415/mo in Worcester, MA. Worcester, MA has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Boston or Worcester?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston, MA and $67,544 in Worcester, MA. Boston, MA 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 41.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Boston or Worcester?
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% and Massachusetts's is 9.00%. Worcester, MA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Worcester to match my Boston income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boston, MA is equivalent to roughly $85,580 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