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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Worcester is 38% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,415/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 54%
$67,544/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 81%
$339,500 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 78%
$1,521/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 46%
205,501
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $54,685/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Worcester or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $54,685/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Elk Grove

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem