Cost of Living: Chula Vista, CA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Chula Vista is 71% more expensive than Worcester.

$2,122/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 33%
$105,173/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 36%
$697,400 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 51%
$2,342/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 35%
275,030
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $707/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $8,484/year.

Median household income is $37,629/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Worcester — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Worcester?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $707/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Worcester?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $37,629/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Worcester details →

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