Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Hayward is 56% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,360/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 31%
$113,775/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 21%
$820,700 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 43%
$2,420/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 30%
159,201
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $728/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $8,736/year.

Median household income is $23,737/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Charleston — common questions

Is Hayward or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Charleston?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $728/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Charleston?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $23,737/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Charleston

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