Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Hayward is 27% more expensive than Alexandria.

$2,360/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↓ 14%
$113,775/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$113,638/yr ≈ Same
$820,700 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 15%
$2,420/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↓ 10%
159,201
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $329/month cheaper in Alexandria, saving renters about $3,948/year.

Median household income is $137/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Hayward or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Alexandria?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $329/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Alexandria?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $137/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Alexandria details →