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Worcester vs Brockton: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Worcester is 9% more expensive than Brockton. Worcester is 18% safer. Worcester population: 213,862. Brockton population: 106,134.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingBrockton
SafetyWorcester
HousingBrockton

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Worcester vs Brockton

Brockton is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 110 vs 120 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 10 index points.

CategoryWorcesterBrockton
Overall Index120110
Housing$2,990/moIndex: 168$2,528/moIndex: 142
Groceries$426/moIndex: 104$418/moIndex: 102
Transportation$368/moIndex: 105$364/moIndex: 104
Healthcare$346/moIndex: 108$339/moIndex: 106
Utilities$224/moIndex: 102$220/moIndex: 100

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Worcester vs Brockton

Worcester is 18% safer overall, with a crime rate of 20.8 per 1,000 residents vs Brockton's 25.3. Worcester earns a B- safety grade compared to Brockton's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B-

Worcester

Massachusetts

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeB-
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate20.8/1K
TrendStable
C+

Brockton

Massachusetts

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate25.3/1K
TrendStable
MetricWorcesterBrockton
Overall Crime Rate20.8/1K25.3/1K
Violent Crime Rate335.3438.3
Property Crime Rate1741.52092.3
Murder Rate6.36.4
Assault Rate210.7287.4
Robbery Rate36.4109.9
Burglary Rate261.9358.0
Theft Rate1446.51295.2
Vehicle Theft Rate394.5379.7

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Worcester, you have a 1 in 48 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 40 in Brockton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Worcester cheaper than Brockton?
Brockton is 9% more affordable than Worcester, with a cost of living index of 110 vs 120 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,990/mo in Worcester vs $2,528/mo in Brockton.
Is Worcester safer than Brockton?
Worcester is 18% safer overall, with a crime rate of 20.8 per 1,000 residents vs Brockton's 25.3. Worcester earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Worcester or Brockton?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester is safer (B- grade). Brockton is more affordable (index 110 vs 120). Worcester has a population of 213,862 and Brockton has 106,134. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Worcester compared to Brockton?
Worcester has a population of 213,862 and Brockton has 106,134. Worcester is 102% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Worcester or Brockton?
Housing is cheaper in Brockton. Estimated monthly housing costs: Worcester $2,990/mo vs Brockton $2,528/mo. That's based on a housing index of 168 vs 142 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

B-
Worcester Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Brockton Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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