Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Hayward is 12% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$2,360/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 9%
$113,775/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 18%
$820,700 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 16%
$2,420/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 13%
159,201
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Hayward, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $20,592/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Hayward or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hayward is cheaper to live in with an index of 200 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $20,592/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Thousand Oaks

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian