Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Hayward is 16% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,360/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 16%
$113,775/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 11%
$820,700 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 27%
$2,420/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 9%
159,201
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Hayward, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $12,694/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Hayward or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hayward is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Cambridge?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Cambridge?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $12,694/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Cambridge details →

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