Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Milwaukee is 26% more affordable than Worcester. A $75,000 salary in Worcester is equivalent to $55,200 in Milwaukee.
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. Milwaukee has a housing index of 80 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Milwaukee scores 100 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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