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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Orange

California
206

Hayward is 3% cheaper than Orange.

$2,360/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↓ 5%
$113,775/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 3%
$820,700 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 10%
$2,420/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↓ 1%
159,201
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Orange, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $3,170/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Orange — common questions

Is Hayward or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hayward is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Orange?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Orange?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $3,170/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Orange

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