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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Hayward is 46% more expensive than Allen.

$2,360/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 20%
$113,775/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 13%
$820,700 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 48%
$2,420/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 14%
159,201
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $483/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $5,796/year.

Median household income is $15,355/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Allen — common questions

Is Hayward or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Allen?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $483/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Allen?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $15,355/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Allen details →

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