Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Raleigh is 18% more affordable than Worcester. A $75,000 salary in Worcester is equivalent to $61,200 in Raleigh.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Raleigh scores 100 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.
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