Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Hayward is 300% more expensive than Dayton.

$2,360/mo ↑ 173%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 63%
$113,775/yr ↑ 162%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 62%
$820,700 ↑ 781%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 89%
$2,420/mo ↑ 191%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 66%
159,201
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,494/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $17,928/year.

Median household income is $70,321/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Dayton — common questions

Is Hayward or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Dayton?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,494/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Dayton?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $70,321/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Dayton

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