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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Worcester is 16% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,415/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 20%
$67,544/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 13%
$339,500 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 21%
$1,521/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 15%
205,501
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $8,539/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Worcester or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Lancaster?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Lancaster?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $8,539/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Lancaster details →

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