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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Worcester is 38% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,415/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 55%
$67,544/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 51%
$339,500 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 75%
$1,521/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 46%
205,501
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $776/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $9,312/year.

Median household income is $34,777/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Worcester or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Fairfield?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $776/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Fairfield?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $34,777/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Fairfield

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill