57
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
66
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Worcester wins 2–2 overall (66/100)
💰 Worcester is more affordable
💼 Worcester has lower unemployment
🛡️ Worcester has fewer disasters
📋 Boston vs Worcester — The Verdict
It's a close call — Boston (57/100) and Worcester (66.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Worcester has a clear edge with home prices 55% lower. Worcester may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Worcester are 55% lower — a difference of $379,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Worcester saves you $669/month — that's $8,028 per year.
💵
Households in Boston earn $26,201 more per year (42% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$684,900
$305,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,981
$1,312
Median Income
$89,212
$63,011
The affordability gap is significant — Worcester offers home prices 55% lower than Boston, translating to $379,300 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
4.8%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
33 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
18
17
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Boston to Worcester: Common Questions
Is Boston or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Worcester is more affordable overall. Home prices are $379,300 lower in Worcester. Monthly rent is $1,312 in Worcester vs $1,981 in Boston.
Does Boston or Worcester have better weather?
Worcester scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Boston or Worcester better for finding a job?
Worcester currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.8% in Boston vs 4.8% in Worcester. Median household income is $89,212 in Boston and $63,011 in Worcester.
Which city is safer — Boston or Worcester?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Worcester is safer. Boston has had 18 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 17 in Worcester. Boston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Worcester.
Should I move from Boston to Worcester?
Based on our data, Worcester scores 66.5/100 vs Boston's 57.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Worcester is more affordable, while Worcester has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.