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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Worcester County ranks #1,919 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Worcester County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Worcester County is affordable. The median rent is $1,347/month against a median household income of $93,561, putting rent at 17.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Worcester County pay $1,347/month on average, compared to $1,899/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 29%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $53,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $81,386/year. With a median household income of $93,561, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Worcester County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Bristol County where rent averages $1,181/month, Worcester County is approximately 14% more expensive.
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
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.
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