Cost of Living in Worcester, MA (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Key facts
- Rent (1-bedroom)
- $1,069/month
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Median household income
- $70,102
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Regional price parity
- 105.8 (above national average)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024-12-31
- Utilities (monthly)
- $266/month
- U.S. Energy Information Administration · 2026-06-30
- Rent burden (of income)
- 18% (affordable)
- Derived from Census + HUD threshold · 2024-12-31
Can you afford this city?
- Groceries (est.)
- $405
- Monthly surplus
- $2,010
Salary needed to live here
- Gross per month
- $3,486
- Comfortable budget
- $2,440
Worcester, MA vs the US average
| Metric | Value | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
Utilities (monthly) (EIA Electricity Retail Sales, Jun 2026) | $266 | +30% vs US |
Median household income (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $70,102 | -10% vs US |
Median home value (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $374,400 | +10% vs US |
Rent (1BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,069 | -18% vs US |
Rent (2BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,559 | +6% vs US |
Grocery cost index (BEA Regional Price Parities, Dec 2024) | 98.8 | -1% vs US |
Cost breakdown vs US average
What it costs to live in Worcester
At $1,069 per month for a one-bedroom, Worcester sits well below the national median of $1,300 (18% less). The median household income here is $70,102, and a one-bedroom lease absorbs about 18% of that — leaving room under the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $374,400 is about 5.3× median income — well above the 3× rule of thumb, making ownership a stretch on a typical local salary. Utilities here run about $266/month — 30% above the national average of $205, driven by local climate and energy rates. Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.
Buying a home in Worcester?
Mortgage payment calculator
- Principal & interest
- $2,108
- Total interest
- $438,707
Estimate only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are illustrative and may not reflect your situation. Consult a qualified professional.
Cite this page
CostAlmanac US, *Worcester, MA — Cost of Living*, https://costalmanac.com/cost-of-living/worcester-ma
Data from U.S. government sources. See methodology for how every number is computed.