Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Hayward

California
200

Elk Grove is 16% cheaper than Hayward.

$2,180/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 8%
$122,229/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↓ 7%
$603,400 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 36%
$2,227/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 9%
177,221
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $180/month cheaper in Elk Grove, saving renters about $2,160/year.

Median household income is $8,454/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Hayward — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Hayward?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $180/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Hayward?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $8,454/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Hayward

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro