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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Hayward is 141% more expensive than Odessa.

$2,360/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 44%
$113,775/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 36%
$820,700 ↑ 295%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 75%
$2,420/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 48%
159,201
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,038/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $12,456/year.

Median household income is $40,745/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Odessa — common questions

Is Hayward or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Odessa?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $1,038/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Odessa?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $40,745/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Odessa

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