Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Hayward is 174% more expensive than Fargo.

$2,360/mo ↑ 158%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 61%
$113,775/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 42%
$820,700 ↑ 204%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 67%
$2,420/mo ↑ 143%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 59%
159,201
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,444/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $17,328/year.

Median household income is $47,746/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Fargo — common questions

Is Hayward or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Fargo?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $1,444/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Fargo?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $47,746/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and North Dakota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Fargo

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres