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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

San Francisco is 157% more expensive than Worcester.

$2,419/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 42%
$141,446/yr ↑ 109%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 52%
$1,380,500 ↑ 307%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 75%
$2,620/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 42%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,004/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $12,048/year.

Median household income is $73,902/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Worcester — common questions

Is San Francisco or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Worcester?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $1,004/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Worcester?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $73,902/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Worcester details →

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