Cost of Living: Worcester vs Los Angeles (2026)
Worcester has a 38% lower overall cost of living than Los Angeles as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,750/mo in Worcester vs $2,800/mo in Los Angeles — a 38% difference. Worcester has a lower state income tax rate (5% vs 9.3%), which adds up over time.
- Worcester is 38% cheaper overall (COL index: 108 vs 173)
- 1BR rent: $1,750/mo in Worcester vs $2,800/mo — 38% savings
- Higher median household income: Los Angeles ($71,000/yr vs $58,000/yr)
- Median home price: $380,000 in Worcester vs $850,000 — 55% difference
| Category | Worcester Massachusetts | Los Angeles California |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,400Best | $2,200 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,750Best | $2,800 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,300Best | $3,800 |
| Median home price | $380KBest | $850K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 106Best | 108 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $16Best | $18 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $65Best | $75 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $78Best | $100 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.40Best | $4.50 |
| Car insurance/mo | $165Best | $195 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $190 | $145Best |
| Internet/mo | $68Best | $70 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $58K | $71KBest |
| State income tax% | 5.0%Best | 9.3% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.3%Best | 10.3% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $16.00Best | $17.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $46Best | $55 |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.00Best | $8.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 108Best | 173 |
| Walk score / 100 | 63 | 68Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Worcester cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Worcester is 38% cheaper than Los Angeles based on overall cost of living indices (108 vs 173, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Worcester vs Los Angeles?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Worcester is $1,750/month and in Los Angeles is $2,800/month. Worcester is cheaper by 38%.
How much do I need to earn in Los Angeles to match a $75,000 salary in Worcester?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $120,139/year in Los Angeles to match a $75,000 salary in Worcester. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Worcester or Los Angeles?
Worcester has the lower state income tax rate at 5% vs 9.3%. The difference is 4.3 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Worcester to Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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