Cost of Living in Worcester, MA
Population 205,501 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Worcester's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $67,544 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Worcester
The median home value in Worcester is $339,500 — 11% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,415/month, 8% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,544/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 56.7°F and lows of 39.6°F, with about 72.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Worcester has a cost of living index of 110 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 35 | 43 | 56 | 67 | 75 | 80 | 78 | 71 | 59 | 48 | 38 |
| Low °F | 17 | 19 | 26 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 42 | 33 | 23 |
| Precip" | 3.52 | 3.26 | 4.19 | 4.08 | 3.56 | 4.22 | 3.93 | 4.14 | 4.24 | 4.84 | 4.00 | 4.28 |
| Snow" | 18.2 | 21.2 | 13.7 | 1.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 14.9 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Worcester, MA?
Worcester has a cost index of 110 (100 = national average). It is 10% above the national average.
What is average rent in Worcester, MA?
The median gross rent in Worcester is $1,415 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Worcester?
The median home value in Worcester is $339,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Worcester?
The median household income in Worcester is $67,544 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Worcester, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Worcester is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Worcester, MA affordable?
Worcester is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 110 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Worcester?
Worcester has average high temperatures of 56.7°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 48.3". Average annual snowfall is 72.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Worcester at a Glance
- Population
- 205,501
- Median Income
- $67,544
- Home Value
- $339,500
- Median Rent
- $1,415/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Massachusetts Rankings
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