Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Hayward is 251% more expensive than Evansville.

$2,360/mo ↑ 149%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 60%
$113,775/yr ↑ 118%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 54%
$820,700 ↑ 536%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 84%
$2,420/mo ↑ 163%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 62%
159,201
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,411/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $16,932/year.

Median household income is $61,524/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Evansville — common questions

Is Hayward or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Evansville?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $1,411/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Evansville?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $61,524/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Evansville

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow