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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Sacramento is 27% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,694/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 16%
$83,753/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 19%
$484,600 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 30%
$1,752/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 13%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $16,209/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Worcester — common questions

Is Sacramento or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Worcester?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Worcester?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $16,209/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.
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More Comparisons

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