Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
St. Louis is 28% more affordable than Worcester. A $75,000 salary in Worcester is equivalent to $54,000 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Missouri salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Louis has a housing index of 72 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Louis costs $175,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in St. Louis versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: St. Louis scores 97 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in St. Louis (95) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in St. Louis is $45,782 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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