Newton, MA vs Worcester, MA

The cost of living difference between Newton, MA and Worcester, MA is dramatic. Worcester is 96.3% cheaper than Newton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Newton has a cost index of 210 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 Newton is $2,388/month compared to $1,415/month in Worcester — a 69% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Worcester is more affordable at $339,500 median vs $1,202,500.

Median household income in Newton is $184,989 compared to $67,544 in Worcester (+173.9%). While Newton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Newton spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 25.1% in Worcester.