Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Hayward

California
200

Fontana is 27% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,733/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 36%
$98,187/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 16%
$558,500 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 47%
$1,990/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 22%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Fontana, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $15,588/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Hayward — common questions

Is Fontana or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fontana is cheaper to live in with an index of 146 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Hayward?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Hayward?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $15,588/year higher in Hayward.
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 Fontana or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Hayward

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro