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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

San Jose is 144% more expensive than Worcester.

$2,617/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 46%
$141,565/yr ↑ 110%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 52%
$1,187,800 ↑ 250%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 71%
$2,775/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 45%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,202/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $14,424/year.

Median household income is $74,021/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Worcester — common questions

Is San Jose or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Worcester?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $1,202/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Worcester?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $74,021/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Worcester details →

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