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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Hayward

California
200

Glendale is 49% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,397/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 69%
$70,139/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 62%
$347,000 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 137%
$1,356/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 78%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $963/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $11,556/year.

Median household income is $43,636/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Hayward — common questions

Is Glendale or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Hayward?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $963/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Hayward?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $43,636/year higher in Hayward.
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 Glendale or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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