Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Hayward is 12% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,360/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 1%
$113,775/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 3%
$820,700 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 29%
$2,420/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 2%
159,201
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,702/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Hayward or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hayward is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $3,702/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Costa Mesa

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria