Cost of Living: Hialeah, FL vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Hialeah

Florida
109
VS

Hayward

California
200

Hialeah is 46% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,558/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 51%
$53,079/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 114%
$359,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 128%
$1,448/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 67%
221,901
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

35.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hialeah, FL and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $802/month cheaper in Hialeah, saving renters about $9,624/year.

Median household income is $60,696/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hialeah is $359,200 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hialeah vs Hayward — common questions

Is Hialeah or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hialeah is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hialeah and Hayward?
Median rent in Hialeah is $1,558/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $802/month.
Which city has higher income, Hialeah or Hayward?
Median household income is $53,079 in Hialeah and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $60,696/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Hialeah or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Hialeah has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,558/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hialeah details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hialeah and Hayward

Hialeah vs. Baton Rouge Hialeah vs. San Bernardino Hialeah vs. Richmond Hialeah vs. Tacoma Hialeah vs. Fremont Hialeah vs. Port St. Lucie Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro