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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

San Diego is 89% more expensive than Worcester.

$2,223/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 36%
$104,321/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 35%
$848,500 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 60%
$2,308/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 34%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $808/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $9,696/year.

Median household income is $36,777/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Worcester — common questions

Is San Diego or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Worcester?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $808/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Worcester?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $36,777/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Worcester details →

More Comparisons

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