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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Hayward is 182% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,360/mo ↑ 113%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 53%
$113,775/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 45%
$820,700 ↑ 359%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 78%
$2,420/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 54%
159,201
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,254/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $15,048/year.

Median household income is $51,055/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Abilene — common questions

Is Hayward or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Abilene?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,254/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Abilene?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $51,055/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Abilene

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland