Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Madison is 15% more affordable than Worcester. A $75,000 salary in Worcester is equivalent to $63,600 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Madison scores 101 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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