Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Hayward is 49% more expensive than East Los Angeles.

$2,360/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 39%
$113,775/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 40%
$820,700 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$613,600 ↓ 25%
$2,420/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 40%
159,201
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $929/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $11,148/year.

Median household income is $45,397/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Hayward or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, East Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $929/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $45,397/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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

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