Worcester, Massachusetts
In Worcester, Massachusetts, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.74 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.29 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,419.34, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.75% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Worcester's cost-of-living index of 118 puts it above the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.74
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$2,419.34
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.75%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$16.81
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.87 | $2.23 | $2.88 | $4.35 | $2.39 | +27.8% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.83 | $4.18 | $4.22 | $4.30 | $4.39 | +14.6% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $4.19 | $5.20 | $5.57 | $5.79 | $5.85 | +39.6% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.36 | $3.19 | $3.48 | $3.69 | $3.73 | +58.1% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $4.04 | $4.33 | $4.55 | $4.50 | $4.45 | +10.1% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.55 | $4.99 | $5.29 | $5.56 | $5.84 | +28.4% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.90 | $7.38 | $7.82 | $8.21 | $8.29 | +20.1% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $6.09 | $6.63 | $6.96 | $7.10 | $7.24 | +18.9% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.59 | $1.90 | $2.01 | $2.05 | $2.09 | +31.4% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.55 | $5.13 | $5.28 | $5.33 | $5.38 | +18.2% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $9.20 | $11.26 | $12.28 | $13.02 | $13.41 | +45.8% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $4.11 | $4.95 | $5.45 | $5.72 | $6.01 | +46.2% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.25 | $4.55 | $4.78 | $4.87 | $5.02 | +18.1% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.78 | $5.02 | $5.17 | $5.38 | $5.54 | +15.9% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.43 | $2.69 | $2.91 | $3.02 | $3.05 | +25.5% |
| Lettuce (head) | $2.01 | $2.23 | $2.43 | $2.55 | $2.63 | +30.8% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.95 | $7.51 | $8.19 | $8.60 | $8.68 | +45.9% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $4.32 | $4.67 | $4.90 | $5.05 | $5.15 | +19.2% |
| Cereal (family size) | $5.35 | $6.09 | $6.45 | $6.57 | $6.77 | +26.5% |
| Frozen Pizza | $6.78 | $8.30 | $8.96 | $9.31 | $9.59 | +41.4% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$16.81
Casual Dining
$34.69
Monthly Spend
$533.25
+3.17% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $10.42
$16.81
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $11.77
$18.15
+54.2%Chipotle
2022: $12.61
$18.83
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $5.89
$8.18
+38.9%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Worcester?
Average 1BR: $2,219.58/mo · 2BR: $2,739.54/mo
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