Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Worcester is 5% more affordable than Bend. A $75,000 salary in Bend is equivalent to $71,023 in Worcester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bend has a housing index of 182 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Bend costs $580,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Bend versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Bend scores 106 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Bend (106) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Bend is $68,234 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Worcester.
Amazon affiliate links