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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Worcester is 54% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,415/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 82%
$67,544/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 99%
$339,500 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 180%
$1,521/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 79%
205,501
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,165/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $13,980/year.

Median household income is $66,823/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Worcester or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,165/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $66,823/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Thousand Oaks

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian