Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Hayward

California
200

Fort Lauderdale is 34% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,776/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 33%
$79,935/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 42%
$455,600 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 80%
$1,778/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 36%
183,032
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $584/month cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, saving renters about $7,008/year.

Median household income is $33,840/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Hayward — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Hayward?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $584/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Hayward?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $33,840/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Fort Lauderdale details → View Hayward details →

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