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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Worcester is 70% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,415/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 117%
$67,544/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 169%
$339,500 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 435%
$1,521/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 98%
205,501
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,650/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $19,800/year.

Median household income is $114,318/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Worcester or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,650/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $114,318/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Sunnyvale details →

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