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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Worcester is 53% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,415/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 57%
$67,544/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 54%
$339,500 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 208%
$1,521/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 54%
205,501
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $803/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $9,636/year.

Median household income is $36,234/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Worcester or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Pasadena?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $803/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Pasadena?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $36,234/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Pasadena details →

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