Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Hayward is 194% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$2,360/mo ↑ 149%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 60%
$113,775/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 52%
$820,700 ↑ 278%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 74%
$2,420/mo ↑ 148%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 60%
159,201
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,414/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $16,968/year.

Median household income is $58,599/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Hayward or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $1,414/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $58,599/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and New Mexico?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria