Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Worcester is 25% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $56,476 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. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $510,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Los Angeles scores 107 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Worcester.
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