Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Hayward is 85% more expensive than Brandon.

$2,360/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↓ 28%
$113,775/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 32%
$820,700 ↑ 179%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 64%
$2,420/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↓ 36%
159,201
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in Brandon, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $36,707/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Brandon — common questions

Is Hayward or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Brandon?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Brandon?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $36,707/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Brandon details →

More Comparisons

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