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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Hayward

California
200

Austin is 33% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,655/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 43%
$91,461/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 24%
$512,700 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 60%
$1,747/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 39%
967,862
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $705/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $8,460/year.

Median household income is $22,314/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Hayward — common questions

Is Austin or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Hayward?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $705/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Hayward?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $22,314/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 Austin or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Hayward details →

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