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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Downey

California
169

Worcester is 38% cheaper than Downey.

$1,415/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 34%
$67,544/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 29%
$339,500 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 115%
$1,521/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 31%
205,501
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $19,856/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Downey — common questions

Is Worcester or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Downey?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $477/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Downey?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $19,856/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Downey

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens