Cost of Living: Worcester vs Riverside (2026)
Worcester has a 8% lower overall cost of living than Riverside as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,750/mo in Riverside vs $1,750/mo in Worcester — a 0% difference. Worcester has a lower state income tax rate (5% vs 9.3%), which adds up over time.
- Worcester is 8% cheaper overall (COL index: 108 vs 117)
- 1BR rent: $1,750/mo in Riverside vs $1,750/mo — 0% savings
- Higher median household income: Riverside ($70,000/yr vs $58,000/yr)
- Median home price: $380,000 in Worcester vs $520,000 — 27% difference
| Category | Worcester Massachusetts | Riverside California |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,400Best | $1,400 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,750Best | $1,750 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,300Best | $2,350 |
| Median home price | $380KBest | $520K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 106 | 104Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $16 | $15Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $65 | $62Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $78 | $72Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.40Best | $4.50 |
| Car insurance/mo | $165Best | $172 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $190 | $148Best |
| Internet/mo | $68Best | $68 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $58K | $70KBest |
| State income tax% | 5.0%Best | 9.3% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.3%Best | 8.7% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $16.00Best | $16.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $46 | $45Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.00Best | $7.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 108Best | 117 |
| Walk score / 100 | 63Best | 34 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Worcester cheaper than Riverside?
Yes. Worcester is 8% cheaper than Riverside based on overall cost of living indices (108 vs 117, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Worcester vs Riverside?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Worcester is $1,750/month and in Riverside is $1,750/month. Worcester is more expensive by 0%.
How much do I need to earn in Riverside to match a $75,000 salary in Worcester?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $81,250/year in Riverside 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 Riverside?
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 Riverside?
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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