Worcester, MA Utility & Living Guide

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Worcester, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Worcester, MA offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living with a rich history and cultural attractions.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$360/mo
1BR Rent$1300/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index118 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Worcester
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

National Grid
🔥 Gas

$80/mo

National Grid
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Worcester Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

City of Worcester Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $360/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1300/mo
2 Bedrooms$1700/mo
3 Bedrooms$2300/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate1.55%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Worcester is competitive, with a mix of old and new homes, and a growing number of new developments and renovations. The city has a strong sense of community, with many neighborhoods offering a small-town feel. However, prices are rising, making it challenging for first-time buyers to enter the market.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

118

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

92

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.55%
<p>State 5.2% + No County tax + Local 1.05% option tax</p>

Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%, with no local income tax

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in biotech, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, public safety, traffic and transportation
🚌 Transit for Families

Worcester has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with accessible buses and a downtown area that is easy to navigate on foot

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Worcester Art Museum
  • 🎯
    EcoTarium
  • 🎯
    Green Hill Farm

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Worcester include the West Side, which offers a suburban feel and highly-rated schools, and the Canal District, which is close to downtown and has a vibrant, urban atmosphere. Other popular neighborhoods include Shrewsbury Street and the Grid.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Worcester based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Worcester has regulations regarding zoning, parking, and waste management, and residents are encouraged to recycle and participate in community clean-up initiatives

Worcester is experiencing a surge in economic growth, driven by its thriving biotech and healthcare industries, with major companies like UMass Medical School and AbbVie having a presence in the city. The city is also investing in downtown redevelopment, with new businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions opening up.

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📊 Worcester — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Worcester fluctuate significantly by season, with summer months seeing higher electricity bills due to air conditioning usage, and winter months seeing higher gas and heating oil bills due to cold temperatures. Residents can expect to pay around 20-30% more for utilities during the peak summer and winter months.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 1.35 to 1.65, with no local surtaxes specific to Worcester county

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 8/10: Worcester has good sidewalk quality, with many parks and green spaces, and elevator access in most public buildings, making it relatively easy to navigate with a stroller, although some areas can be hilly and challenging

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