Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Murrieta, CA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Hayward is 14% more expensive than Murrieta.

$2,360/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↓ 1%
$113,775/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↓ 4%
$820,700 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$606,900 ↓ 26%
$2,420/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↓ 2%
159,201
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,995/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Hayward or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murrieta is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Murrieta?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Murrieta?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $3,995/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

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