Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Hayward is 120% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,360/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 42%
$113,775/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 45%
$820,700 ↑ 207%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 67%
$2,420/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 46%
159,201
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $996/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $11,952/year.

Median household income is $50,986/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making North Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Hayward or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and North Charleston?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $996/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or North Charleston?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $50,986/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and North Charleston

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands