Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Hayward

California
200

Arlington is 52% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,389/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 70%
$73,519/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 55%
$276,400 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 197%
$1,420/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 70%
394,769
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $971/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $11,652/year.

Median household income is $40,256/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Hayward — common questions

Is Arlington or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Hayward?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $971/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Hayward?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $40,256/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Hayward details →

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