In general, closer to Boston means more expensive. Shrewsbury, Westborough are pretty expensive, but do have good school systems. Route 9 shouldn't be too bad since you'd be moving against the traffic.
What are you looking for? Buy, rent? House, condo? How important are schools, crime? Worcester itself is pretty cheap, but you have to know which neighborhood to move into. Boylston is not bad and close by, but it's being snubbed by those living in Shrewsbury/Westborough/Northborough... (And make sure you don't live too close to Great Brook Valley)...
As far as I know, many UMass people rent or buy at "The Green" in Shrewsbury. It's a 3 minute drive. However, the condo administration is evil, and I you better be a good sleeper if your neighbors have children (and they probably do). You can buy/rent there.
