Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Worcester is 4% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $72,115 in Worcester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 168 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $480,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Portland versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Portland scores 105 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Portland (108) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Portland is $71,005 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Worcester.
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