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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Hayward is 3% more expensive than Fullerton.

$2,360/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↓ 10%
$113,775/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↓ 8%
$820,700 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 5%
$2,420/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↓ 7%
159,201
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Fullerton, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $9,556/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Hayward or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fullerton is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Fullerton?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Fullerton?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $9,556/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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Fullerton

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren