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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Stockton is 11% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,495/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 5%
$76,851/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 12%
$412,900 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 18%
$1,555/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 2%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $9,307/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Worcester — common questions

Is Stockton or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Worcester?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Worcester?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $9,307/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Worcester details →

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