Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Hayward is 74% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$2,360/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 28%
$113,775/yr ↑ 87%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 46%
$820,700 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 59%
$2,420/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 32%
159,201
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $651/month cheaper in Miami Gardens, saving renters about $7,812/year.

Median household income is $52,796/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Hayward or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami Gardens is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $651/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $52,796/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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

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