Portland, ME vs Worcester, MA: Cost of Living Comparison
Worcester has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Portland | Worcester | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 116 | 98 | Worcester |
| Housing | 130 ($1,041) | 98 ($991) | Worcester |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Portland |
| Food & groceries | 102 ($418) | 90 ($369) | Worcester |
| Utilities | 115 ($234) | 99 ($176) | Worcester |
| Healthcare | 115 ($169) | 99 ($127) | Worcester |
| Median annual wage | 106 ($51,430) | 131 ($63,590) | Portland |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland, ME or Worcester, MA cheaper to live in?
Worcester, MA is cheaper overall by about 18 index points (Portland, ME: 116, Worcester, MA: 98; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Portland, ME vs Worcester, MA?
A single adult needs roughly $40,600/year in Portland, ME and $34,300/year in Worcester, MA to cover basic living costs.