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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Worcester is 24% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,415/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 30%
$67,544/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 25%
$339,500 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 41%
$1,521/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 18%
205,501
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $17,073/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Worcester or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $17,073/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Santa Maria

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton