Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Hayward is 20% cheaper than Bellevue.

$2,360/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 6%
$113,775/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 42%
$820,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 47%
$2,420/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 7%
159,201
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Hayward, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $47,525/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Hayward or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hayward is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Bellevue?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Bellevue?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $47,525/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

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Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet