Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Hayward is 153% more expensive than Dearborn.

$2,360/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 46%
$113,775/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 43%
$820,700 ↑ 299%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 75%
$2,420/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 51%
159,201
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,096/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $13,152/year.

Median household income is $48,583/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Hayward or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Dearborn?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $1,096/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Dearborn?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $48,583/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Dearborn details →

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