Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Hayward is 174% more expensive than High Point.

$2,360/mo ↑ 122%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 55%
$113,775/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 46%
$820,700 ↑ 286%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 74%
$2,420/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 55%
159,201
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,298/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $15,576/year.

Median household income is $52,547/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs High Point — common questions

Is Hayward or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and High Point?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $1,298/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or High Point?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $52,547/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View High Point details →

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