Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Hayward

California
200

Anaheim is 18% cheaper than Hayward.

$2,082/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 13%
$90,583/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 26%
$771,700 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 6%
$2,165/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 12%
344,553
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Anaheim, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $23,192/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Hayward — common questions

Is Anaheim or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anaheim is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Hayward?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Hayward?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $23,192/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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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