Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Hayward is 79% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,360/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 38%
$113,775/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 44%
$820,700 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 52%
$2,420/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 36%
159,201
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $897/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $10,764/year.

Median household income is $49,901/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Hayward or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $897/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $49,901/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Elizabeth

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland