Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Downey, CA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Downey

California
169

Hayward is 18% more expensive than Downey.

$2,360/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 20%
$113,775/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 23%
$820,700 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 11%
$2,420/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 17%
159,201
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $468/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $5,616/year.

Median household income is $26,375/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Downey — common questions

Is Hayward or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Downey?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $468/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Downey?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $26,375/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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Downey details →

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