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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Worcester is 41% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,415/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 39%
$67,544/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 33%
$339,500 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 125%
$1,521/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 33%
205,501
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $556/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $6,672/year.

Median household income is $22,622/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Worcester or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $556/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $22,622/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Garden Grove

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins