Moving from Portland to Worcester (2026)
Worcester has a COL index of 108 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Worcester to match your Portland lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Portland | Equivalent in Worcester |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,560 |
| $50K | $43,200 |
| $60K | $51,840 |
| $75K | $64,800 |
| $80K | $69,120 |
| $100K | $86,400 |
| $120K | $103,680 |
| $150K | $129,600 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Portland vs Worcester
| Expense | Portland | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $407 | $403 |
| Transport | $100 | $78 |
| Utilities | $130 | $190 |
| Internet | $65 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $1,520 | $1,939 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Worcester cheaper than Portland?
Yes. Worcester has a cost of living index of 108 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Portland to Worcester?
On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to Worcester could save roughly $113/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,356/year.
What salary do I need in Worcester to match my Portland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $64,800/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