Worcester combines urban living with historic New England character. The "Heart of the Commonwealth" features housing options ranging from the city's signature triple-decker homes to apartment communities throughout its neighborhoods. Currently, renters can expect to pay around $1,758 for a one-bedroom apartment, with rental rates showing a moderate increase of 2.9% over the past year. Popular areas include the Canal District, with its restaurant and entertainment scene, and the Shrewsbury Street corridor, known for its Italian heritage. Worcester is home to several higher education institutions, including the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Clark University.
The city offers numerous parks and green spaces, including the historic Elm Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1854. The 549-acre Green Hill Park provides recreational facilities, while Lake Quinsigamond is a destination for rowing and boating enthusiasts. Cultural landmarks include the Worcester Art Museum, the second-largest art museum in New England, and Mechanics Hall, recognized for its exceptional acoustics. Worcester made baseball history when Lee Richmond pitched the first perfect game in Major League Baseball at the Worcester Agricultural Fairgrounds on June 12, 1880. Today, the city continues to grow with expanding biotechnology and healthcare sectors while preserving its industrial heritage.
As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in Worcester, MA is $1,595 for a studio, $1,766 for one bedroom, $2,081 for two bedrooms, and $2,095 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Worcester has increased by 1.0% in the past year.
Open to exploring your options? Discover other great cities in Massachusetts with our detailed guide.
Very Walkable
out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
If you enjoy walking, you’ll enjoy renting in this area! It’s a very walkable neighborhood.
Some Transit
out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.
Somewhat Bikeable
out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.
Public
Grades PK-6
364 Students
Public
Grades K-6
206 Students
Public
Grades PK-6
575 Students
Public
Grades PK-6
566 Students
Public
Grades K-6
359 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
827 Students
Public
Grades 7-12
224 Students
Public
Grades 7-8
740 Students
Public
Grades 7-8
712 Students
Public
Grades 7-12
488 Students
Massachusetts Academy for Math and Science at WPI
Public
Grades 11-12
100 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,469 Students
Public
Grades 7-12
224 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,666 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,344 Students
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.
