Moving from Philadelphia to Worcester (2026)
Worcester has a COL index of 108 vs 107 for Philadelphia (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 1% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Worcester to match your Philadelphia lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Philadelphia | Equivalent in Worcester |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,374 |
| $50K | $50,467 |
| $60K | $60,561 |
| $75K | $75,701 |
| $80K | $80,748 |
| $100K | $100,935 |
| $120K | $121,121 |
| $150K | $151,402 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Philadelphia vs Worcester
| Expense | Philadelphia | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,547 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $391 | $403 |
| Transport | $96 | $78 |
| Utilities | $160 | $190 |
| Internet | $65 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $1,835 | $1,939 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Worcester cheaper than Philadelphia?
No. Worcester has a cost of living index of 108 vs 107 for Philadelphia (100 = US average). That's about 1% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Philadelphia to Worcester?
On a $75K salary, moving from Philadelphia to Worcester could save roughly $223/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,676/year.
What salary do I need in Worcester to match my Philadelphia lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Philadelphia, you'd need roughly $75,701/year in Worcester. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only