Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Chicago is 14% more affordable than Worcester. A $75,000 salary in Worcester is equivalent to $64,200 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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