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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Hayward is 20% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,360/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↓ 7%
$113,775/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 10%
$820,700 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 28%
$2,420/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 8%
159,201
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Fairfield, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $11,454/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Hayward or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Fairfield?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Fairfield?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $11,454/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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Fairfield

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