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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Orange

California
206

Worcester is 50% cheaper than Orange.

$1,415/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 59%
$67,544/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 73%
$339,500 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 165%
$1,521/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 57%
205,501
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $837/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $10,044/year.

Median household income is $49,401/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Orange — common questions

Is Worcester or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Orange?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $837/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Orange?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $49,401/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Orange

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City