Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Hayward

California
200

Dallas is 52% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,403/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 68%
$67,760/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 68%
$295,300 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 178%
$1,409/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 72%
1,299,553
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $957/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $11,484/year.

Median household income is $46,015/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Hayward — common questions

Is Dallas or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Hayward?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $957/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Hayward?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $46,015/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Hayward details →

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