Cost of Living in Worcester County, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Worcester County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Worcester County, Massachusetts
Worcester County's affordable inland advantage
Worcester renters spend just 17.3% of income on rent—the lowest ratio among Massachusetts counties and well below the national average of 19.3%—while maintaining a median household income of $93,561. This inland region avoids Boston-area pricing pressure while supporting solid wage growth.
Second most affordable after Plymouth
Worcester ranks second only to Plymouth (18.1%) for rent affordability with a 17.3% ratio, beating the state average by nearly 2 percentage points. At $1,347 median rent, Worcester runs $211 below the state average, proving inland Massachusetts offers genuine value.
Lowest rents and homes in the sample
Worcester's $1,347 median rent is $308 less than Plymouth and $700+ less than Middlesex, while its $390,700 median home value is less than Plymouth's $513,000 and a quarter of Nantucket's price. Worcester delivers the deepest affordability in central Massachusetts without sacrificing income stability.
Renters enjoy lowest burden statewide
Worcester renters spend $1,347 monthly—just 17.3% of the $93,561 median income—while homeowners pay $1,899 or 24.3%. This county achieves the lowest housing cost burden for renters in Massachusetts, making it genuinely affordable for working-class and middle-income households.
Best value for middle-income households
Worcester is ideal for anyone earning $85,000–$110,000 seeking affordable urban or suburban living with New England character and minimal commute pressure. If you're priced out of Boston suburbs but want Massachusetts roots, Worcester delivers lower rents than any comparable county while maintaining comparable incomes.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Worcester County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,183
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.4%
of gross income
The median home in Worcester County may be a stretch
Median home value is $390,700. Estimated monthly cost: $3,119 vs. your max of $2,183.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.