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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Hayward

California
200

Glendale is 7% more expensive than Hayward.

$2,095/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 13%
$84,262/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 35%
$1,043,900 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$820,700 ↓ 21%
$2,212/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 9%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $29,513/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Hayward — common questions

Is Glendale or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hayward is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Hayward?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Hayward?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $29,513/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 Glendale or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Hayward

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