Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Hayward

California
200

Albuquerque is 120% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,085/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 118%
$65,604/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 73%
$266,700 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 208%
$1,149/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 111%
562,488
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,275/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $15,300/year.

Median household income is $48,171/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Hayward — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Hayward?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,275/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Hayward?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $48,171/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and California?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/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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