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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Glendale

California
214

Worcester is 51% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,415/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 48%
$67,544/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 25%
$339,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 207%
$1,521/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 45%
205,501
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $680/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $8,160/year.

Median household income is $16,718/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Glendale — common questions

Is Worcester or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Glendale?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $680/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Glendale?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $16,718/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Glendale details →

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