Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Worcester is 19% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $60,484 in Worcester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Long Beach has a housing index of 236 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Long Beach costs $700,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $360,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Long Beach versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Long Beach scores 106 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Long Beach (103) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Long Beach is $60,567 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Worcester.
Amazon affiliate links