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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Hayward

California
200

Columbus is 58% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,224/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 93%
$65,327/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 74%
$234,500 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 250%
$1,243/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 95%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,136/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $13,632/year.

Median household income is $48,448/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Hayward — common questions

Is Columbus or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Hayward?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,136/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Hayward?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $48,448/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 Columbus or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Hayward

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro