OBJECTIVES: To compare the health related quality of life (HRQOL) between farmers and workers and to study the factors influencing the differences. METHODS: We conducted a survey in Zhejiang province by multi-stage cluster sampling, and applied EQ-5D questionnaire to assess the HRQOL by the face-to-face interview. Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA were used to identify the main affecting factors influencing HRQOL of farmers and workers. RESULTS: Quality of life was differed by farmers and workers. The mean of EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS scores for farmers were 0.99 and 83.59 and for workers were 0.95 and 81.11 respectively. Male, age (16 to 20 years old and over 51), low education (≤ 6 y), low-income (< CNY ¥