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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Hayward is 163% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,360/mo ↑ 97%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 49%
$113,775/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 44%
$820,700 ↑ 324%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 76%
$2,420/mo ↑ 112%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 53%
159,201
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,159/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $13,908/year.

Median household income is $49,505/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Hayward or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 200 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $1,159/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Pasadena?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $49,505/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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/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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