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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Worcester is 54% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,415/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 71%
$67,544/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 77%
$339,500 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 208%
$1,521/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 60%
205,501
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,009/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $12,108/year.

Median household income is $52,341/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Worcester or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,009/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $52,341/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Huntington Beach details →

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