Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Hayward is 72% more expensive than Carrollton.

$2,360/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↓ 29%
$113,775/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↓ 13%
$820,700 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 57%
$2,420/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 30%
159,201
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $14,660/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Hayward or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Carrollton?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Carrollton?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $14,660/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Carrollton

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman