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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Hayward

California
200

Fresno is 50% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,324/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 78%
$66,804/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 70%
$348,500 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 135%
$1,391/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 74%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,036/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $12,432/year.

Median household income is $46,971/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Hayward — common questions

Is Fresno or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Hayward?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,036/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Hayward?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $46,971/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 Fresno or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Hayward

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro