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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Worcester is 66% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,415/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 111%
$67,544/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 157%
$339,500 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 350%
$1,521/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 101%
205,501
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,570/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $18,840/year.

Median household income is $106,126/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Worcester or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,570/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $106,126/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Santa Clara

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville