Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Hayward is 53% more expensive than Meridian.

$2,360/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 27%
$113,775/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 13%
$820,700 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 41%
$2,420/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 34%
159,201
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $646/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $7,752/year.

Median household income is $15,089/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Meridian — common questions

Is Hayward or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Meridian?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $646/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Meridian?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $15,089/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Idaho?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Meridian 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 Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord