Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
47% cheaper
Worcester is 47% more affordable than Manhattan. A $75,000 salary in Manhattan is equivalent to $39,894 in Worcester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manhattan has a housing index of 421 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Manhattan costs $1,150,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $810,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $4,200 in Manhattan versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Manhattan scores 115 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Manhattan (112) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Manhattan is $93,651 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Worcester.
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