Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Hayward

California
200

Akron is 145% cheaper than Hayward.

$930/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 154%
$48,544/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 134%
$111,200 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 638%
$904/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 168%
189,526
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,430/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $17,160/year.

Median household income is $65,231/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Akron slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Hayward — common questions

Is Akron or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Hayward?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,430/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Hayward?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $65,231/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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