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Cost of Living in Worcester, MA

Population 207,055 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,487
Median home value$374,400
Median household income$70,102

The median rent in Worcester, MA is $1,487/month, 16% lower than the Massachusetts median and 5% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $374,400, 13% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $70,102 a year, 33% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 25.5%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $59,480/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 5.3×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,893/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Worcester vs. Massachusetts vs. U.S.

WorcesterMassachusettsU.S.
Median rent$1,487$1,762$1,413
Median home value$374,400$562,100$332,700
Median household income$70,102$103,960$80,734
Homeownership rate42.8%62.5%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher35.2%47.3%35.7%
Poverty rate19.6%10.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate6.5%5.2%5.2%
Work from home11.5%18.6%15.1%
Median age33.940.038.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Worcester, MA?

The median gross rent in Worcester, MA is $1,487 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Worcester, MA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $59,480 a year in gross income.

Is Worcester, MA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 5% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 5.3 times the median household income.

Other cities in Massachusetts

Boston, MARent $2,147 · Income $97,344Springfield, MARent $1,144 · Income $52,656Cambridge, MARent $2,787 · Income $130,748Lowell, MARent $1,625 · Income $78,658Brockton, MARent $1,641 · Income $80,115Quincy, MARent $2,118 · Income $98,882

Cities with a similar cost of living

Stockbridge, GARent $1,494 · Income $70,136Dallas, TXRent $1,472 · Income $70,518Jacksonville, FLRent $1,465 · Income $69,872East Los Angeles, CARent $1,494 · Income $68,741Apple Valley, CARent $1,444 · Income $69,882Sebastian, FLRent $1,451 · Income $69,409

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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