Median rent is 11% lower in Dearborn ($1,264/mo vs $1,415/mo). Buying is cheaper in Dearborn, where the median home runs $205,900 versus $339,500. Households earn more in Worcester ($67,544 vs $65,192 a year). Taken together, Worcester is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.0 against 96.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Worcester, MA.
City A
Dearborn, MI
City B
Worcester, MA
How much would you need to earn in Worcester, MA to maintain your standard of living from Dearborn, MI?
Equivalent salary in Worcester, MA
$74,801
You could earn $199 less (0% 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
Dearborn
Michigan
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 Dearborn at $1,264/mo compared to $1,415/mo in Worcester (11% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Worcester: the median home is $339,500 versus $205,900 in Dearborn — 39% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 9.00% in Massachusetts, so Dearborn is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 6.25% in Massachusetts; Dearborn has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Dearborn
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Worcester
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Worcester (avg AQI 32.0) but not yet for Dearborn.
Pick Dearborn if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,264/mo median).
Pick Dearborn if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Dearborn cheaper than Worcester?
Worcester is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.0 versus 96.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Worcester.
How much is rent in Dearborn vs Worcester?
Median rent is $1,264/mo in Dearborn, MI and $1,415/mo in Worcester, MA. Dearborn, MI has the lower rent by about 11%.
Which has higher salaries — Dearborn or Worcester?
Median household income is $65,192 in Dearborn, MI and $67,544 in Worcester, MA. Worcester, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Dearborn or Worcester?
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Massachusetts's is 9.00%. Dearborn, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Worcester to match my Dearborn income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Dearborn, MI is equivalent to roughly $99,734 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