Median rent is 20% lower in Worcester ($1,415/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Worcester, where the median home runs $339,500 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $67,544 a year). Taken together, Worcester is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.0 against 113.0 — about 15% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Worcester is 15% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.0 in Worcester vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
Worcester, MA
How much would you need to earn in Worcester, MA to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in Worcester, MA
$63,731
You could earn $11,269 less (15% 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
New York
New York
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 $1,779/mo in New York (20% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $339,500 in Worcester — 55% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% versus 9.00% in Massachusetts, so Worcester is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 6.25% in Massachusetts; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Worcester
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Worcester has cleaner air on average: 32.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Worcester if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.0 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/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 New York cheaper than Worcester?
Worcester is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.0 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Worcester.
How much is rent in New York vs Worcester?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $1,415/mo in Worcester, MA. Worcester, MA has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or Worcester?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY and $67,544 in Worcester, MA. New York, NY 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 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — New York or Worcester?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% and Massachusetts's is 9.00%. Worcester, MA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Worcester to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $84,974 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