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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Worcester is 54% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,415/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 69%
$67,544/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 63%
$339,500 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 211%
$1,521/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 62%
205,501
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $980/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $11,760/year.

Median household income is $42,529/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Worcester or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $980/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $42,529/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Costa Mesa details →

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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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria