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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Ontario

California
152

Worcester is 32% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,415/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 35%
$67,544/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 23%
$339,500 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 67%
$1,521/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 29%
205,501
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $501/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $6,012/year.

Median household income is $15,262/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Ontario — common questions

Is Worcester or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Ontario?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $501/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Ontario?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $15,262/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Ontario

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa