on $100k a year, leaving Columbia
changea dispatch from
worcester
MA
42.26°N
71.80°W
Worcester (pronounced 'WOO-stuh', please) is triple-deckers, classic American diners (the city helped invent the diner), and a college-heavy student population (Clark, Holy Cross, WPI, and a dozen more). The smiley face was invented here in 1963. It's central Massachusetts' working-class anchor and quietly gaining a real food scene. Cheaper than Boston, an hour away when you need it.
in our guides
the verdict
the monthly premium over Columbia
You'd pay for Worcester. The question is whether the days are worth the difference.
a quick ledger.
$2,140/mo
38% more expensive than Columbia(vs $1,551/mo)
5%
$125/mo less in state tax than Columbia
vs 6.5% in Columbia
$5,777/mo
$464 less than Columbia
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$486k
90% more expensive than Columbia
vs $255k in Columbia
867k
vs 857k in Columbia
field notes, weather & such.
148
pleasant days a year, in worcester.
Columbia has the edge here, logging 189 pleasant days a year. Bring a real coat. 55 days stay under 20°, well past Columbia's 2.
Nights and weekends fill up faster. 1.6× more on the calendar than Columbia.
59/100
7% higher than Columbia
vs 55/100 in Columbia
Closest outdoor draw: Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, 14.9 mi.
90/100
6% higher than Columbia
vs 85/100 in Columbia
2
80% fewer than Columbia
vs 10 nonstops in Columbia
cities that play in worcester's register:
compare worcester with:
