Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Hayward is 94% more expensive than Paterson.

$2,360/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 38%
$113,775/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 53%
$820,700 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 59%
$2,420/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 36%
159,201
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $903/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $10,836/year.

Median household income is $60,009/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Paterson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Paterson — common questions

Is Hayward or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Paterson?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $903/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Paterson?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $60,009/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Paterson details →