Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Hayward is 203% more expensive than McAllen.

$2,360/mo ↑ 132%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 57%
$113,775/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 47%
$820,700 ↑ 372%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 79%
$2,420/mo ↑ 143%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 59%
159,201
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,343/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $16,116/year.

Median household income is $53,610/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs McAllen — common questions

Is Hayward or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and McAllen?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $1,343/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or McAllen?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $53,610/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

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