Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Hayward is 100% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,360/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 44%
$113,775/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 44%
$820,700 ↑ 134%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 57%
$2,420/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 43%
159,201
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,049/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $12,588/year.

Median household income is $49,875/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Hayward or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Wilmington?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $1,049/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Wilmington?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $49,875/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Wilmington details →

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