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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Fresno is 3% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,324/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 7%
$66,804/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 1%
$348,500 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 3%
$1,391/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 9%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $91/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $1,092/year.

Median household income is $740/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Worcester — common questions

Is Fresno or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Worcester?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $91/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Worcester?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $740/year higher in Worcester.
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 Fresno or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Worcester details →

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