Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Simi Valley, CA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Hayward and Simi Valley have a similar cost of living.

$2,360/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 6%
$113,775/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 3%
$820,700 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$753,500 ↓ 8%
$2,420/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 6%
159,201
Population
125,769

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Hayward, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $3,928/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Hayward or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Simi Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $3,928/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

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