Cambridge, MA vs Worcester, MA

The cost of living difference between Cambridge, MA and Worcester, MA is dramatic. Worcester is 93.9% cheaper than Cambridge, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cambridge has a cost index of 207 while Worcester sits at 107, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month compared to $1,415/month in Worcester — a 94% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Worcester is more affordable at $339,500 median vs $1,040,500.

Median household income in Cambridge is $126,469 compared to $67,544 in Worcester (+87.2%). The higher salaries in Cambridge partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Cambridge spend roughly 26% of their income on rent, more than the 25.1% in Worcester.