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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Worcester is 47% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,415/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 50%
$67,544/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 54%
$339,500 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 153%
$1,521/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 48%
205,501
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $709/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $8,508/year.

Median household income is $36,675/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Worcester or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Fullerton?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $709/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Fullerton?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $36,675/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Fullerton

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren