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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Hayward

California
200

Garland is 52% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,525/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 55%
$74,717/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 52%
$248,900 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 230%
$1,445/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 67%
245,298
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $835/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $10,020/year.

Median household income is $39,058/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Hayward — common questions

Is Garland or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Hayward?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $835/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Hayward?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $39,058/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 Garland or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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