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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Modesto is 15% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,609/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 12%
$77,899/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 13%
$415,600 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 18%
$1,613/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 6%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $10,355/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Worcester — common questions

Is Modesto or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Worcester?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Worcester?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $10,355/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Worcester details →

More Comparisons

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