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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Irvine is 146% more expensive than Worcester.

$2,893/mo ↑ 104%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 51%
$129,647/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 48%
$1,115,400 ↑ 229%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 70%
$2,904/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 48%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,478/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $17,736/year.

Median household income is $62,103/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Worcester — common questions

Is Irvine or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Worcester?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $1,478/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Worcester?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $62,103/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Worcester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irvine and Worcester

Irvine vs. Cincinnati Irvine vs. St. Paul Irvine vs. Santa Ana Irvine vs. Newark Irvine vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Pittsburgh Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock