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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Hayward

California
200

Bakersfield is 48% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,371/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 72%
$77,397/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 47%
$347,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 136%
$1,540/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 57%
408,366
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $989/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $11,868/year.

Median household income is $36,378/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Hayward — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Hayward?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $989/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Hayward?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $36,378/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 Bakersfield or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Hayward details →

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