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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Ventura

California
183

Worcester is 43% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,415/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 48%
$67,544/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 49%
$339,500 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 129%
$1,521/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 39%
205,501
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $32,863/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Ventura — common questions

Is Worcester or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Ventura?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Ventura?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $32,863/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Ventura details →

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