Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Hayward is 153% more expensive than Allentown.

$2,360/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 46%
$113,775/yr ↑ 113%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 53%
$820,700 ↑ 334%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 77%
$2,420/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 49%
159,201
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,091/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $13,092/year.

Median household income is $60,372/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Allentown — common questions

Is Hayward or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Allentown?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $1,091/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Allentown?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $60,372/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Allentown details →

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