Median rent is 15% lower in Kentwood ($1,260/mo vs $1,487/mo). Buying is cheaper in Kentwood, where the median home runs $268,200 versus $374,400. Households earn more in Kentwood ($74,373 vs $70,102 a year). Taken together, Kentwood is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.0 against 95.4 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Kentwood, MI.
City A
Kentwood, MI
City B
Worcester, MA
How much would you need to earn in Worcester, MA to maintain your standard of living from Kentwood, MI?
Equivalent salary in Worcester, MA
$75,369
You'd need $369 more (0% higher).
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
Kentwood
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 Kentwood at $1,260/mo compared to $1,487/mo in Worcester (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Worcester: the median home is $374,400 versus $268,200 in Kentwood — 28% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Kentwood
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Worcester
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Worcester (avg AQI 29.0) but not yet for Kentwood.
Pick Kentwood if you prioritize higher median household income ($74,373/yr).
Pick Kentwood if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,260/mo median).
Is Kentwood cheaper than Worcester?
Kentwood is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 95.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Kentwood.
How much is rent in Kentwood vs Worcester?
Median rent is $1,260/mo in Kentwood, MI and $1,487/mo in Worcester, MA. Kentwood, MI has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Kentwood or Worcester?
Median household income is $74,373 in Kentwood, MI and $70,102 in Worcester, MA. Kentwood, MI 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 — Kentwood or Worcester?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Worcester to match my Kentwood income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Kentwood, MI is equivalent to roughly $100,492 in Worcester, MA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
