Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Hayward is 59% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,360/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 19%
$113,775/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 18%
$820,700 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 52%
$2,420/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 34%
159,201
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $443/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $5,316/year.

Median household income is $20,404/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Surprise — common questions

Is Hayward or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Surprise?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $443/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Surprise?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $20,404/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Surprise

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite