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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Hayward is 125% more expensive than Mesquite.

$2,360/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 40%
$113,775/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 37%
$820,700 ↑ 262%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 72%
$2,420/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 43%
159,201
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $953/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $11,436/year.

Median household income is $41,932/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Hayward or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Mesquite?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $953/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Mesquite?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $41,932/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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Mesquite

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford