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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Concord

California
187

Worcester is 44% cheaper than Concord.

$1,415/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 57%
$67,544/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 62%
$339,500 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 123%
$1,521/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 50%
205,501
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $41,651/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Concord — common questions

Is Worcester or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Concord?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Concord?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $41,651/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Concord details →

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