Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Hayward is 153% more expensive than Springfield.

$2,360/mo ↑ 112%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 53%
$113,775/yr ↑ 122%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 55%
$820,700 ↑ 269%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 73%
$2,420/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 47%
159,201
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,246/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $14,952/year.

Median household income is $62,436/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Springfield — common questions

Is Hayward or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Springfield?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $1,246/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Springfield?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $62,436/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Springfield details →

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