salaryWorcester is the 2nd-largest city in Massachusetts that we track, with 207,055 residents. Rent is higher than in 66% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 5.0 years of household income. Most households rent (57%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $78,080 a year. That is $38 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Massachusetts cities?
Yes. Rent here is cheaper than in most of Massachusetts. It is number 42 of 123 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
Compare Worcester with other big cities
Compare Worcester to 149 other cities →
How much do households earn in Worcester?
Share of households by yearly income. 26.0% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Worcester
| Size | Worcester | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,242 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,180 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,720 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,921 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,145 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Worcester overall?
Everyday prices in the Worcester metro area are 3% above the U.S. average (index 102.5, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Worcester
Life in Worcester
What jobs pay in Worcester
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistant | $152,860 | 15.3% |
| Software Developer | $146,950 | 15.9% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $135,120 | 17.3% |
| Pharmacist | $132,930 | 17.6% |
| Lawyer | $129,400 | 18.1% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $119,260 | 19.6% |
| Operations Manager | $111,900 | 20.9% |
| Civil Engineer | $101,770 | 23.0% |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,460 | 23.3% |
| Registered Nurse | $100,240 | 23.4% |
| Accountant | $94,070 | 24.9% |
| Market Research Analyst | $90,300 | 25.9% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $82,810 | 28.3% |
| Plumber | $82,260 | 28.5% |
| Police Officer | $80,210 | 29.2% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $79,060 | 29.6% |
| Electrician | $75,510 | 31.0% |
| HVAC Technician | $73,800 | 31.7% |
| Carpenter | $73,010 | 32.1% |
| Firefighter | $66,310 | 35.3% |
| Truck Driver | $61,610 | 38.0% |
| Customer Service Representative | $47,540 | 49.3% |
| Medical Assistant | $47,240 | 49.6% |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,710 | 51.2% |
| Restaurant Cook | $44,250 | 52.9% |
| Warehouse Worker | $44,080 | 53.1% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,840 | 63.6% |
| Retail Salesperson | $36,220 | 64.7% |
| Cashier | $34,770 | 67.4% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Worcester?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $646 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $374,400 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $37,440 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Worcester, MA?
Renting in Worcester costs a median of about $1,952 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Massachusetts median is $2,331.
How much do I need to make to live in Worcester?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $78,080 a year, or $38 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Worcester cheap or expensive?
Worcester is rated Expensive: rent takes 31.0% of the typical household income of $75,605. It ranks 42nd cheapest of 123 Massachusetts cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Worcester?
The median homeowner in Worcester pays $4,733 a year in property taxes, about 1.26% of the median home value.
Is Worcester more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 3% above the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Worcester?
The median home value in Worcester is $374,400, about 5.0 times the typical yearly household income.
207,055 people live in Worcester. Numbers are typical (middle) values.