You’ll typically pay $1,700–$1,800 a month for rent in Worcester, with median home prices around $375,000 and about six offers per listing. Expect utilities and energy near $185–$274 monthly, internet $50–$70, and groceries that push a single person’s monthly budget toward roughly $3,600. Transportation, healthcare and insurance add more, and neighborhood choice materially changes costs — keep going and you’ll get neighborhood, utility, and budget breakdowns.
Housing and Rental Market Overview
Explore Worcester’s housing and rental market with data: median home prices sit around $375,000 (about $227 per sq. ft., single‑family median ~$365,000), while rents average roughly $1,709–$1,766/month—one‑bedrooms typically $1,400–$1,700 and two‑bedrooms about $1,800–$2,200.
You’ll weigh buying versus renting: the price‑to‑rent ratio (~18.3) tilts toward renting, and average rent in Worcester is less than half of Boston’s.
Expect a competitive housing market—typical homes get about six offers, hot listings sell in ~16 days, and nearly half close above list price.
Use RentCafe’s $1,709 benchmark alongside recent $1,766 listings to set expectations.
Neighborhoods in Worcester vary widely: University Park averages ~$1,309/month, while Burncoat, Greendale, and Indian Hill average ~$2,081/month, so location drives affordability.
If you’re budgeting, model scenarios for both purchase and rental, factor in local neighborhood differentials, and prioritize proximity, transit, and schools to match cost with lifestyle.
Monthly Utilities, Energy, and Internet Costs
While Worcester’s utility costs are noticeably above the national average, you can plan around clear benchmarks: average monthly energy bills run about $274, basic utilities for a ~915 sq ft apartment typically fall between $185 and $193, internet plans cost roughly $50–$70 per month, and phone service averages about $258—add gasoline at roughly $3.18–$3.42/gal if you drive. You’ll face utility prices about 32% higher than the U.S. norm, so budget accordingly.
For a one-bedroom, expect monthly electricity, heating, cooling, water, and trash to total roughly $185–$193; seasonal spikes can push an energy bill closer to the $274 average. Internet at $50–$70 gives predictable connectivity costs; bundle options may slightly reduce your total. A $258 phone bill is typical, so include that when calculating household communications.
Track meter readings, seal leaks, and compare plans each year to control utility costs and keep your overall average cost in line with Worcester norms.
Food, Groceries, and Dining Expenses
You can expect grocery prices in Worcester to track close to the national average, so planning is straightforward: a loaf of bread runs about $3.00–$3.95, a gallon of milk $3.60–$4.00, and a dozen eggs $3.56–$3.72, while chicken fillets cost roughly $5.94–$6.43 per pound and local cheese about $5.35 per pound.
Worcester groceries generally mirror these staples; fresh produce stays inexpensive (bananas $0.64–$0.74/lb, apples $1.73–$1.97/lb).
For eating out, expect casual meals at $15–$25 per person, a McMeal near $12, and burgers around $5.67, making dining out cheaper than in Boston.
When you budget, treat grocery prices and restaurant costs separately: grocery shopping covers basics, eating out adds discretionary spending.
Use regional monthly food spending estimates—about $3,685 for a single and up to $8,583 for a family of four—as a starting point, then adjust for your habits.
Tracking receipts for a month gives the most accurate picture of your cost of living tied to food.
Healthcare, Transportation, and Other Living Costs
Because healthcare and household services run noticeably above the national average in Worcester, you should budget accordingly: a typical doctor’s visit costs about $175.97, a dentist visit $143.64, and an optometrist visit $159.50, while veterinary care averages roughly $83.32 per visit.
Healthcare in Worcester runs above average—expect doctor visits ~$176, dental ~$144, optometry ~$160, vet ~$83.
Beyond visits, plan higher premiums and out‑of‑pocket costs since regional healthcare runs ~21% above the U.S. average. Transportation costs are near national levels: gas roughly $3.18–$3.42/gal, auto insurance about $1,133/year, and the Worcester Regional Transit Authority provides local service—fare changes or suspensions alter out‑of‑pocket transit spending, so check schedules and passes.
Utilities and energy bills typically run $184.57–$273.98 monthly, with phone service averaging $258.24/month, so factor communication into household budgets.
When you compare rent and groceries, these fixed costs push monthly needs higher; local family budget guidelines estimate roughly $3,685/month for a single person and about $8,583/month for a family of four. Use local data to calibrate your personal buffer.
Income, Wages, and How Much You Need to Live in Worcester
Those higher healthcare, utility, and fixed living costs affect how much income you’ll need to live comfortably in Worcester. With a median household income of $63,194 and per capita income $32,772, you’ll notice Worcester sits below Massachusetts averages on the Cost of Living Index. Payscale’s average salary (~$73,000) and $21.49 hourly base give context: some roles (managers) pay near $61.11/hr, and wage growth was about 2.7% in Q4 2022.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median household income | $63,194 |
| Per capita income | $32,772 |
| Average salary (Payscale) | ~$73,000 |
| Typical rent | $1,709–$1,766/month |
| Recommended annual income to rent | ~$70,632 |
To keep rent under 30% of income, you’d want roughly $5,886/month. Remember Massachusetts’ flat 5.0% tax. If you plan to buy a home, factor higher upfront costs and savings beyond monthly expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Worcester MA?
You’ll need roughly $1,800–$2,000+ monthly for basics; factor commuting costs, food preferences, utility variability, entertainment options, healthcare access, childcare expenses, and seasonal clothing when budgeting to cover rent, bills, groceries, care, and activities.
What Is a Livable Wage in Worcester, MA?
A livable wage in Worcester is about $3,685/month for a single adult and roughly $8,583/month for a family of four; you’ll confront a wage gap, family support needs, childcare costs, transportation needs, healthcare access, minimum standards.
What Is the Average Cost of Living for a Single Person in Massachusetts?
You’ll need about $3,700–$4,000 monthly statewide; factor housing choices, transportation options, food budgeting, healthcare access, utility costs, entertainment expenses, and tax implications to plan a realistic, data-driven Massachusetts single‑person budget.
What Is a Good Salary in Worcester, MA?
You should aim for about $70k–$75k in Worcester to balance median income, housing affordability, commute costs, job market strength, tax burden, childcare expenses, and retirement planning; that range keeps housing under 30% and covers basics.
Conclusion
Living in Worcester can be affordable if you plan thoughtfully: rents range broadly, utilities and internet add predictable monthly costs, groceries and dining vary by habit, and transport plus healthcare round out your budget. Use local wage data to match income to expenses so you’re not caught off guard — think of your budget as a roadmap, guiding where to cut or invest. With clear numbers, you’ll know what comfort really costs.
