Average Rent in Worcester, MA↑ Rents rising 11.6% YoY

Worcester, MA has rental prices ranging from $1,429/month to $2,493/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,438/month — 3% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $93,561/year, spending $1,438/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Worcester Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,854/month, Worcester ranks #11 most expensive of the 21 cities tracked in Massachusetts — pricier than 97% of all US cities in our data.

The Worcester Rental Market

The Worcester, MA area has a population of about 861,664 and 34% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Worcester, MA have risen by $193/month (11.6%) over the past year, from $1,661 to $1,854. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Worcester, MA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $57,520. The local median household income of $93,561 exceeds that threshold by $36,041, making Worcester relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Worcester, MA is $439,503, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 19.8. With a break-even horizon of approximately 20 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Is Worcester, MA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Worcester?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Worcester

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.