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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Hayward is 178% more expensive than Waco.

$2,360/mo ↑ 115%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 53%
$113,775/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 55%
$820,700 ↑ 311%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 76%
$2,420/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 55%
159,201
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,262/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $15,144/year.

Median household income is $62,307/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Waco — common questions

Is Hayward or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Waco?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $1,262/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Waco?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $62,307/year higher in Hayward.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Waco

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange