Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Hayward

California
200

Fort Worth is 52% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,412/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 67%
$76,602/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 49%
$277,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 196%
$1,489/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 63%
941,311
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $948/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $11,376/year.

Median household income is $37,173/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Hayward — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Hayward?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $948/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Hayward?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $37,173/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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 Fort Worth details → View Hayward details →

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