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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Worcester is 59% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,415/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 50%
$67,544/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 61%
$339,500 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 298%
$1,521/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 54%
205,501
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $712/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $8,544/year.

Median household income is $41,014/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Worcester or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Berkeley?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $712/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Berkeley?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $41,014/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

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Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach