Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Hayward is 160% more expensive than Lafayette.

$2,360/mo ↑ 122%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 55%
$113,775/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 46%
$820,700 ↑ 227%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 69%
$2,420/mo ↑ 129%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 56%
159,201
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,295/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $15,540/year.

Median household income is $52,321/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Hayward or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Lafayette?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $1,295/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Lafayette?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $52,321/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Lafayette

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield