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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Hayward

California
200

Fremont is 39% more expensive than Hayward.

$2,905/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↓ 19%
$176,350/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↓ 35%
$1,289,400 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$820,700 ↓ 36%
$3,000/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↓ 19%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $545/month cheaper in Hayward, saving renters about $6,540/year.

Median household income is $62,575/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Hayward — common questions

Is Fremont or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hayward is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Hayward?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $545/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Hayward?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $62,575/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Hayward

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro