Cost of Living: Eugene, OR vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Hayward

California
200

Eugene is 44% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,347/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 75%
$63,836/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 78%
$435,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 88%
$1,421/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 70%
177,520
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,013/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $12,156/year.

Median household income is $49,939/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Hayward — common questions

Is Eugene or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Hayward?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,013/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Hayward?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $49,939/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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 Eugene details → View Hayward details →

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