Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Hayward

California
200

Gilbert is 26% cheaper than Hayward.

$2,028/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 16%
$121,351/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↓ 6%
$518,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 58%
$1,908/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 27%
271,118
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $332/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $3,984/year.

Median household income is $7,576/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Hayward — common questions

Is Gilbert or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Hayward?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $332/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Hayward?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $7,576/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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