Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 6.3% more expensive than Worcester, MA. This translates to spending an extra $475 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Worcester, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $155,705.623 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Worcester, MA and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 21.1% more expensive than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Worcester, MA to San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $475 more per month than Worcester, MA, or $5706 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Worcester, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $475/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.7K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$475

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$410K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

106

(6% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 208K residents.

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Worcester, MA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Worcester, MA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,315/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $908more	21.1%
Other	$1,658/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $233more	14.1%
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $92.65less	5.6%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$638/mo	↓ $70.62less	10.0%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $50.37more	4.9%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$634/mo	↓ $48.55less	7.1%

Housing

↑ 21.1%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$908

Other

↑ 14.1%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$233

Transportation

↓ 5.6%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$92.65

less

Healthcare

↓ 10.0%

Worcester, MA

$709

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$70.62

less

Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$50.37

All Utilities

↓ 7.1%

Worcester, MA

$682

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$48.55

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,275

To$2,565

↑ $1,290

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$2,755

↑ $1,473

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$3,360

↑ $1,715

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$4,475

↑ $2,436

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$980

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

San Diego

$410K

Median Value

$980K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 139% more expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - San Diego

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$261

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Worcester, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.