Cost of living in Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester County, MA
Part of the Worcester Metro Area
Population 861,664 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Worcester
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Income and earnings in Worcester
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Worcester
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Worcester
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Worcester
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Worcester
State and local tax rates for Massachusetts.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Worcester
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Worcester
What it costs to live in Worcester each month.
- Rent $1,014
- Energy $246
- Water $55
- Groceries $385
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $689
- State tax $218
- Rent $1,403
- Energy $295
- Water $65
- Groceries $638
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $1,201
- State tax $390
- Rent $1,654
- Energy $369
- Water $75
- Groceries $968
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $1,201
- State tax $390
Frequently asked questions about Worcester
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Worcester?
In Worcester, Massachusetts, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,014 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,403 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,654 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Worcester?
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the average household income is $93,561 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $52,200 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Worcester?
The estimated cost of living in Worcester, Massachusetts is approximately $3,407 per month for a single person, $5,276 for a couple, $7,727 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Worcester?
The combined sales tax rate in Worcester, Massachusetts is 6.25%, which includes the Massachusetts state rate of 6.25% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.
Is Worcester an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Worcester, Massachusetts would need approximately $3,407 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $93,561 per year ($7,797 per month). Worcester is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Worcester?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Worcester, Massachusetts is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 2.6% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Worcester?
The average home value in Worcester, Massachusetts is $390,700, with average annual property taxes of $5,207, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Worcester compare to other areas?
You can compare Worcester, Massachusetts with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Worcester is in the Worcester, MA metro area.
Other counties in Massachusetts
Browse the full list of counties in Massachusetts, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in MassachusettsCompare Worcester with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP