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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Hayward is 65% more expensive than Pearland.

$2,360/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 25%
$113,775/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↓ 1%
$820,700 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 60%
$2,420/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↓ 19%
159,201
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in Pearland, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $1,305/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Pearland — common questions

Is Hayward or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pearland is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Pearland?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Pearland?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $1,305/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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Pearland details →

More Comparisons

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