Cost of Living: Chula Vista, CA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Hayward

California
200

Chula Vista is 11% cheaper than Hayward.

$2,122/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 11%
$105,173/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 8%
$697,400 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 18%
$2,342/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 3%
275,030
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

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Chula Vista, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $8,602/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Hayward — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chula Vista is cheaper to live in with an index of 178 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Hayward?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Hayward?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $8,602/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 Chula Vista or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/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 Chula Vista details → View Hayward details →

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