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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Visalia

California
104

Worcester and Visalia have a similar cost of living.

$1,415/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 1%
$67,544/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$79,952/yr ↑ 18%
$339,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$340,600 ≈ Same
$1,521/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ≈ Same
205,501
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,408/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Visalia — common questions

Is Worcester or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Visalia is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Visalia?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Visalia?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $12,408/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Visalia details →

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