Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Hayward

California
200

Cincinnati is 66% cheaper than Hayward.

$953/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 148%
$51,707/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 120%
$215,300 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 281%
$1,041/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 132%
309,595
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,407/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $16,884/year.

Median household income is $62,068/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Hayward — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Hayward?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,407/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Hayward?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $62,068/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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.
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