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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Hayward is 102% more expensive than Midland.

$2,360/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 40%
$113,775/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↓ 20%
$820,700 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 64%
$2,420/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 39%
159,201
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $953/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $11,436/year.

Median household income is $22,606/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Midland — common questions

Is Hayward or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Midland?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $953/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Midland?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $22,606/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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Midland

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven