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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Pomona

California
143

Hayward is 40% more expensive than Pomona.

$2,360/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↓ 26%
$113,775/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 31%
$820,700 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$569,600 ↓ 31%
$2,420/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↓ 27%
159,201
Population
148,391

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $622/month cheaper in Pomona, saving renters about $7,464/year.

Median household income is $34,906/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Pomona — common questions

Is Hayward or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pomona is cheaper to live in with an index of 143 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Pomona?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $622/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Pomona?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $34,906/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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Pomona details →

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