Worcester, Massachusetts
In Worcester, Massachusetts, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.85 as of 2026-04-01 — $0.22 below the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,122, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% 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)
$3.85
National: $4.06
Avg Rent (All)
$2,122
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
5.27%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$16.81
Combo meal
Electricity
31.16¢
per kWh · ~$280/mo
Car Insurance
$165/mo
$1,980/yr
Median Household Income
$93,561
36% goes to essentials
Car Insurance
Avg $1,980 in Worcester. Compare rates:
📸 Help make this data more accurate
Some prices above are regional estimates. Submit a receipt from a local store to help us show what Worcester residents actually pay.
Save on Gas
Find the cheapest gas near Worcester:
Find Apartments
Avg rent $2,122/mo in Worcester. Browse listings:
Grocery Prices
Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present
National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓
Eggs (dozen)
Bird flu volatility
$2.58 BLS avg
Milk (gallon)
$4.10 BLS avg
Ground Beef (lb)
$6.75 BLS avg
Bread (loaf)
$1.84 BLS avg
Chicken Breast (lb)
$2.04 BLS avg
Butter (lb)
$5.84 BLS avg
Bacon (lb)
$8.29 BLS avg
Cheddar Cheese (lb)
$7.24 BLS avg
Pasta (lb)
$2.09 BLS avg
Rice (5 lb)
$5.38 BLS avg
Coffee (12 oz)
$13.41 BLS avg
Orange Juice (64 oz)
Citrus shortage
$6.01 BLS avg
Potatoes (5 lb)
$5.02 BLS avg
Apples (3 lb)
$5.54 BLS avg
Tomatoes (lb)
$3.05 BLS avg
Lettuce (head)
$2.63 BLS avg
Cooking Oil (48 oz)
$8.68 BLS avg
Yogurt (32 oz)
$5.15 BLS avg
Cereal (family size)
$6.77 BLS avg
Frozen Pizza
$9.59 BLS avg
| Item | 2000 | 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | 2020 | 2022 | 2026 | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | — | — | — | — | — | $1.93 | $2.58 | +156.4% |
| Milk (gallon) | — | — | — | — | — | $3.79 | $4.10 | +44.6% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.55 | $6.75 | +354.4% |
| Bread (loaf) | — | — | — | — | — | $1.55 | $1.84 | +104.0% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $1.62 | $2.04 | +93.5% |
| Butter (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.55 | $5.84 | +28.4% |
| Bacon (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $6.90 | $8.29 | +20.1% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $6.09 | $7.24 | +18.9% |
| Pasta (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $1.59 | $2.09 | +31.4% |
| Rice (5 lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.55 | $5.38 | +18.2% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | — | — | — | — | — | $9.20 | $13.41 | +45.8% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | — | — | — | — | — | $4.11 | $6.01 | +46.2% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.25 | $5.02 | +18.1% |
| Apples (3 lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.78 | $5.54 | +15.9% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | — | — | — | — | — | $2.43 | $3.05 | +25.5% |
| Lettuce (head) | — | — | — | — | — | $2.01 | $2.63 | +30.8% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | — | — | — | — | — | $5.95 | $8.68 | +45.9% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | — | — | — | — | — | $4.32 | $5.15 | +19.2% |
| Cereal (family size) | — | — | — | — | — | $5.35 | $6.77 | +26.5% |
| Frozen Pizza | — | — | — | — | — | $6.78 | $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: $1,740/mo · 2BR: $2,504/mo
Local Workforce
2024 · BLS QCEWTotal Jobs
351k
Median Weekly Pay
$1,378
$72k/yr
Top Sector
Education & Health Services
Household vs Worker Pay
$94k
household median
Employment by Sector — Worcester
% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend
~$68k/yr
~$61k/yr
~$89k/yr
~$92k/yr
~$29k/yr
Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 25027
Highest Paying Sector
Financial Activities
$2,157/wk · $112k/yr
Most Workers (lowest wage)
Leisure & Hospitality
$565/wk · $29k/yr
Newsletter
Get the Monthly Price Report
We track gas, groceries, and rent so you know what's coming before it hits your wallet. One email, once a month, no spam.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Data updated monthly from FRED, Zillow, AAA.
How does Worcester compare to other Massachusetts cities?
Compare Cities Side by Side →