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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Hayward is 9% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,360/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↓ 6%
$113,775/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 9%
$820,700 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 27%
$2,420/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↓ 3%
159,201
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $9,997/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Hayward or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hayward is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Pasadena?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Pasadena?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $9,997/year higher in Hayward.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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