Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Lehigh Acres, FL (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Hayward is 111% more expensive than Lehigh Acres.

$2,360/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↓ 37%
$113,775/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 45%
$820,700 ↑ 212%
Home Value
$263,200 ↓ 68%
$2,420/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↓ 45%
159,201
Population
127,391

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $864/month cheaper in Lehigh Acres, saving renters about $10,368/year.

Median household income is $51,445/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lehigh Acres residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Hayward or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lehigh Acres is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $864/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $51,445/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Lehigh Acres details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Lehigh Acres

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Lehigh Acres vs. Lewisville Lehigh Acres vs. Columbia Lehigh Acres vs. Norman Lehigh Acres vs. Abilene Lehigh Acres vs. Fargo Lehigh Acres vs. Athens