Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Hayward is 48% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,360/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 18%
$113,775/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 21%
$820,700 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 50%
$2,420/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 19%
159,201
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $23,736/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Hayward or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sugar Land is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $23,736/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Sugar Land

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