Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Hayward is 94% more expensive than South Fulton.

$2,360/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↓ 32%
$113,775/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↓ 28%
$820,700 ↑ 203%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 67%
$2,420/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↓ 36%
159,201
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $753/month cheaper in South Fulton, saving renters about $9,036/year.

Median household income is $31,977/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making South Fulton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Hayward or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and South Fulton?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $753/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or South Fulton?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $31,977/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View South Fulton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and South Fulton

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro South Fulton vs. Greeley South Fulton vs. Sparks South Fulton vs. Sugar Land South Fulton vs. Dearborn South Fulton vs. Santa Maria South Fulton vs. Riverview