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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Richmond

California
161

Hayward is 24% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,360/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 20%
$113,775/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 21%
$820,700 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 21%
$2,420/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 17%
159,201
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $465/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $5,580/year.

Median household income is $23,737/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Richmond — common questions

Is Hayward or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Richmond?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $465/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Richmond?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $23,737/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Richmond

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell