Worcester vs Springfield

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Massachusetts salaries

Living in Worcester vs Springfield

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Worcester has a housing index of 152 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Worcester costs $340,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Worcester versus $1,200 in Springfield.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Worcester scores 106 while Springfield scores 104.

Healthcare costs in Worcester (115) are higher than Springfield (114).

Median household income in Worcester is $52,228 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.

Relocating: Worcester vs Springfield

If you are considering a move between Worcester (index: 125) and Springfield (index: 107), the 14% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Springfield is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Worcester can afford $1,219/month, while the median household in Springfield can afford $971/month. With median homes at $340,000 in Worcester versus $230,000 in Springfield, both cities offer reasonable homeownership opportunities at median income.

Renting vs buying: At $1,600/month in Worcester and $1,200/month in Springfield, renters save significantly in Springfield. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Springfield. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Worcester (125) vs Springfield (107)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Worcester at 125 is 25% above the US average, while Springfield at 107 is 7% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $1,600/month in Worcester and $1,200/month in Springfield, the annual rent difference is approximately $4,800. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $24,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $110,000 difference in median home prices between Worcester and Springfield translates to roughly $6,600 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

🔗 Related Tools

📚 Moving & Relocation Resources

Amazon affiliate links