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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Hayward is 56% more expensive than Richardson.

$2,360/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 23%
$113,775/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 15%
$820,700 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 51%
$2,420/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 26%
159,201
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $17,518/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Richardson — common questions

Is Hayward or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Richardson?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Richardson?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $17,518/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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Richardson

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater