Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Hayward is 68% more expensive than Gresham.

$2,360/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 36%
$113,775/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 35%
$820,700 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$440,000 ↓ 46%
$2,420/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↓ 34%
159,201
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $852/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $10,224/year.

Median household income is $40,167/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Gresham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Gresham — common questions

Is Hayward or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Gresham?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $852/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Gresham?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $40,167/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Gresham

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach