Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Worcester is 22% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,415/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 1%
$67,544/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 1%
$339,500 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 81%
$1,521/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 4%
205,501
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $834/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Worcester or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $834/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View East Los Angeles details →

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