Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Hartford is 10% more affordable than Worcester. A $75,000 salary in Worcester is equivalent to $67,200 in Hartford.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Connecticut salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Hartford has a housing index of 121 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Hartford costs $215,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $125,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Hartford versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Hartford scores 106 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Hartford (114) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Hartford is $40,068 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Hartford.
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