Cost of Living in Worcester, MA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $905 (excluding rent), and $2,920 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,252 (excluding rent), and $4,851 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.27 $17.27

$15.24 $15.24

$31.49 $31.49

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$65.5 $65.5

$55.4 $55.4

$101 $101

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.02 $12.02

$11.02 $11.02

$14.03 $14.03

Cappuccino

$4.03 $4.03

$2.21 $2.21

$6.87 $6.87

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.07 $2.07

$1.7 $1.7

$3.21 $3.21

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.72 $1.72

$0.99 $0.99

$2.96 $2.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.07 $6.07

$4.05 $4.05

$8.6 $8.6

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.07 $7.07

$6.06 $6.06

$13.14 $13.14

Milk (1 liter)

$0.97 $0.97

$0.54 $0.54

$1.35 $1.35

White Bread (500g)

$3.48 $3.48

$1.69 $1.69

$6.53 $6.53

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.73 $5.73

$2.19 $2.19

$16.24 $16.24

Eggs

$3.8 $3.8

$3.07 $3.07

$8.17 $8.17

Local Cheese (1kg)

$19.09 $19.09

$6.62 $6.62

$33.12 $33.12

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.94 $13.94

$6.72 $6.72

$22.4 $22.4

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.71 $19.71

$11.17 $11.17

$37.98 $37.98

Apples (1kg)

$3.85 $3.85

$2.23 $2.23

$5.11 $5.11

Banana (1kg)

$1.38 $1.38

$1.07 $1.07

$1.7 $1.7

Oranges (1kg)

$3.91 $3.91

$2.22 $2.22

$4.5 $4.5

Tomato (1kg)

$4.14 $4.14

$2.26 $2.26

$5.64 $5.64

Potato (1kg)

$3.12 $3.12

$1.61 $1.61

$10.74 $10.74

Onion (1kg)

$2.44 $2.44

$2.14 $2.14

$2.69 $2.69

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.92 $1.92

$1.01 $1.01

$2.81 $2.81

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.67 $1.67

$1.29 $1.29

$2.06 $2.06

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$13.08 $13.08

$11.07 $11.07

$13.58 $13.58

Wine (Bottle)

$11.86 $11.86

$8.91 $8.91

$14.84 $14.84

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.77 $1.77

$2.19 $2.19

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.37 $3.37

$1.62 $1.62

$5.12 $5.12

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.94 $1.94

$1.22 $1.22

$1.94 $1.94

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.93 $2.93

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.99 $1.99

$2 $2

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.4 $29.4

$26.59 $26.59

$35.25 $35.25

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.76 $0.76

$1.01 $1.01

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.6K $29.6K

$23.3K $23.3K

$35.9K $35.9K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.6K $24.6K

$25.8K $25.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$192 $192

$99.6 $99.6

$348 $348

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54 $54

$43.43 $43.43

$70.7 $70.7

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$54.9 $54.9

$39.41 $39.41

$78.8 $78.8

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$29.81 $29.81

$10.93 $10.93

$59.6 $59.6

Cinema Ticket

$12.57 $12.57

$10.85 $10.85

$19.47 $19.47

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,739 $1,739

$777 $777

$2,522 $2,522

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$30.1K $30.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$38.06 $38.06

$19.37 $19.37

$76.5 $76.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$33.55 $33.55

$19.74 $19.74

$49.34 $49.34

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$85.7 $85.7

$59.8 $59.8

$130 $130

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$157 $157

$88.4 $88.4

$197 $197

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,858 $1,858

$1,607 $1,607

$2,209 $2,209

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,731 $1,731

$1,492 $1,492

$2,188 $2,188

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,828 $2,828

$2,337 $2,337

$3,556 $3,556

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,255 $2,255

$1,784 $1,784

$2,677 $2,677

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,967 $2,967

$2,895 $2,895

$3,096 $3,096

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,966 $2,966

$2,894 $2,894

$3,095 $3,095

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,016 $4,016

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.6

6.19

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Worcester, MA - Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester sits in a sweet spot for affordability compared with larger metros while offering a solid mix of urban and small-city vibes. You'll find rental options that feel practical for short or longer stays, and dining, groceries, and services generally cost less than in Boston and many coastal Northeast hubs. The city supports a diverse expat scene, with coworking spaces and cultural calendars that keep monthly costs predictable. If you're seeking a base with good transport links, solid healthcare access, and a comfortable pace, Worcester's balance often feels like value without sacrificing access. Cost of Living in Worcester, MA, United States sets a reasonable benchmark. Tip: Start with a month-to-month apartment to test neighborhoods before committing.

Daily life in Worcester is approachable and walkable in several districts. Downtown and the Canal District cluster work and dining options, while leafy neighborhoods offer quieter streets and local parks. When you search for housing, start with online listings and a few local agents, then plan visits across different areas to compare commute times and noise levels. For food, you'll find a mix of supermarkets, farmers' markets, and casual eateries that suit different budgets. Transit runs through buses and a regional rail link, and bike lanes expand access to errands and coworking spaces. Worcester, MA, United States living cost varies by area, but practical choices keep it comfortable. Tip: Try a multi-neighborhood week to feel the rhythm.

Quality of life in Worcester hinges on neighborhood fit and a balanced pace. If you prefer a lively downtown vibe, you'll enjoy cultural events, cafe workdays, and easy access to libraries and healthcare facilities. For budgeting, use a practical framework: define core housing and transport as your anchor, then allocate flexible funds for dining out and activities. Save by shopping seasonal produce, using public transit, and leveraging community discounts. Fall through spring brings seasonal events and milder outdoor days, while winter adds isolation options; plan accordingly. Neighborhoods near the city center often balance walkability with affordable options. Tip: Build a simple two-step checklist before you move.