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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Oakland is 88% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,917/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 26%
$97,369/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 31%
$924,700 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 63%
$2,164/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 30%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $502/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $6,024/year.

Median household income is $29,825/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Worcester — common questions

Is Oakland or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Worcester?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $502/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Worcester?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $29,825/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Worcester details →

More Comparisons

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