Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Hayward is 89% more expensive than Manchester.

$2,360/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 38%
$113,775/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 32%
$820,700 ↑ 144%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 59%
$2,420/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 36%
159,201
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $895/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $10,740/year.

Median household income is $36,360/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Manchester — common questions

Is Hayward or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Manchester?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $895/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Manchester?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $36,360/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and New Hampshire?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Manchester details →

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