Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Hayward is 59% more expensive than Sparks.

$2,360/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 30%
$113,775/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 24%
$820,700 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 44%
$2,420/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 33%
159,201
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $709/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $8,508/year.

Median household income is $26,796/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Sparks — common questions

Is Hayward or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Sparks?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $709/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Sparks?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $26,796/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Sparks

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