Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Hayward is 111% more expensive than New Haven.

$2,360/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 39%
$113,775/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 53%
$820,700 ↑ 230%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 70%
$2,420/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 37%
159,201
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $918/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $11,016/year.

Median household income is $60,004/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making New Haven slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs New Haven — common questions

Is Hayward or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and New Haven?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $918/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or New Haven?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $60,004/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and New Haven

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo