Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Hayward is 245% more expensive than Jackson.

$2,360/mo ↑ 132%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 57%
$113,775/yr ↑ 163%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 62%
$820,700 ↑ 659%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 87%
$2,420/mo ↑ 153%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 60%
159,201
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,342/month cheaper in Jackson, saving renters about $16,104/year.

Median household income is $70,537/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

Mississippi has a lower income tax rate, making Jackson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Jackson — common questions

Is Hayward or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Jackson?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $1,342/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Jackson?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $70,537/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Mississippi?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Jackson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Jackson

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Jackson vs. Escondido Jackson vs. Joliet Jackson vs. Bellevue Jackson vs. Surprise Jackson vs. Charleston Jackson vs. Naperville