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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Worcester is 40% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,415/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 47%
$67,544/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 44%
$339,500 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 102%
$1,521/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 40%
205,501
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $29,866/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Worcester or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $29,866/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Santa Rosa

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga