Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Hayward is 113% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$2,360/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↓ 40%
$113,775/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 50%
$820,700 ↑ 225%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 69%
$2,420/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 39%
159,201
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $955/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $11,460/year.

Median household income is $57,191/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Hayward or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $955/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $57,191/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Bridgeport

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton