Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts. Using Massachusetts's 1.2% property tax rate and $2,200/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Worcester is significantly more affordable than Boston, with homes priced 51% lower on average. That translates to $2,825/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Massachusetts, Worcester offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Massachusetts's 1.2% property tax rate.
Buying in Worcester saves you approximately $2,825/month ($33,900/year) compared to Boston, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Worcester is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $385K versus $785K in Boston. That's $400K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $13K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Worcester, compared to $27K in Boston. Massachusetts offers the MassHousing DPA program (Up to $50,000 DPA loan) which applies in both cities.
Worcester has the better price-to-rent ratio at 19.4x versus 20.8x in Boston. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Worcester is $1,650/month on a $385K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Boston (pop. 675,647) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Worcester (pop. 206,518) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Worcester, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.