Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Hayward

California
200

Chesapeake is 44% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,523/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 55%
$94,189/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 21%
$359,100 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 129%
$1,680/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 44%
251,153
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $837/month cheaper in Chesapeake, saving renters about $10,044/year.

Median household income is $19,586/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Chesapeake slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Hayward — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chesapeake is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Hayward?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $837/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Hayward?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $19,586/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/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 Chesapeake details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Hayward

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro