Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Worcester is 5% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia 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: Maryland salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 172 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $430,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Columbia versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 104 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (101) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Columbia is $112,738 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Worcester.
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