Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Hayward is 127% more expensive than Hampton.

$2,360/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 43%
$113,775/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 40%
$820,700 ↑ 251%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 71%
$2,420/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 44%
159,201
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,014/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $12,168/year.

Median household income is $46,017/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Hampton — common questions

Is Hayward or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Hampton?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $1,014/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Hampton?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $46,017/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Hampton

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