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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Richmond

California
161

Worcester is 35% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,415/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 34%
$67,544/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 33%
$339,500 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 91%
$1,521/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 32%
205,501
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $22,494/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Richmond — common questions

Is Worcester or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Richmond?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Richmond?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $22,494/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Richmond

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell