Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Hayward

California
200

Anchorage is 44% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,453/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 62%
$98,152/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 16%
$375,900 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 118%
$1,698/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 43%
289,069
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $907/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $10,884/year.

Median household income is $15,623/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Hayward — common questions

Is Anchorage or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Hayward?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $907/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Hayward?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $15,623/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and California?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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.
View Anchorage details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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