Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Hayward

California
200

Durham is 48% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,412/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 67%
$79,234/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 44%
$355,300 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 131%
$1,434/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 69%
288,465
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $948/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $11,376/year.

Median household income is $34,541/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Hayward — common questions

Is Durham or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Hayward?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $948/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Hayward?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $34,541/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Durham or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Hayward details →

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