Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Hayward is 38% more expensive than Kent.

$2,360/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 22%
$113,775/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 21%
$820,700 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 35%
$2,420/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 21%
159,201
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $527/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $6,324/year.

Median household income is $23,359/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Kent — common questions

Is Hayward or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Kent?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $527/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Kent?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $23,359/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Kent

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights