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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Los Angeles is 80% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,879/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 25%
$80,366/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 16%
$879,500 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 61%
$2,055/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 26%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $12,822/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Worcester — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Worcester?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Worcester?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $12,822/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Worcester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Worcester

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock