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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

San Bernardino is 5% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,433/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 1%
$63,988/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 6%
$384,900 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 12%
$1,478/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 3%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,556/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Worcester — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Worcester?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Worcester?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $3,556/year higher in Worcester.
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 San Bernardino or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Worcester details →

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