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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Fremont is 167% more expensive than Worcester.

$2,905/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 51%
$176,350/yr ↑ 161%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 62%
$1,289,400 ↑ 280%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 74%
$3,000/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 49%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,490/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $17,880/year.

Median household income is $108,806/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Worcester — common questions

Is Fremont or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Worcester?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $1,490/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Worcester?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $108,806/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Worcester details →

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