Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Norman, OK (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Hayward is 163% more expensive than Norman.

$2,360/mo ↑ 122%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 55%
$113,775/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 43%
$820,700 ↑ 243%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 71%
$2,420/mo ↑ 116%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 54%
159,201
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,296/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $15,552/year.

Median household income is $48,715/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Norman — common questions

Is Hayward or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Norman?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $1,296/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Norman?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $48,715/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Oklahoma?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Norman details →

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