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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Hayward is 150% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,360/mo ↑ 104%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 51%
$113,775/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 51%
$820,700 ↑ 237%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 70%
$2,420/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 52%
159,201
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,202/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $14,424/year.

Median household income is $58,122/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Columbia — common questions

Is Hayward or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Columbia?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $1,202/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Columbia?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $58,122/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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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