Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Hayward

California
200

Boston is 12% cheaper than Hayward.

$2,093/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 13%
$94,755/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 20%
$710,400 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 16%
$2,176/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 11%
663,972
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $19,020/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Hayward — common questions

Is Boston or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Hayward?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Hayward?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $19,020/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Hayward details →

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