Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Hayward

California
200

Birmingham is 69% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,047/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 125%
$44,376/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 156%
$138,600 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 492%
$991/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 144%
199,322
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,313/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $15,756/year.

Median household income is $69,399/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Hayward — common questions

Is Birmingham or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Hayward?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,313/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Hayward?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $69,399/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and California?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Hayward

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro