Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Hayward

California
200

Honolulu is 12% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,783/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 32%
$85,428/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 33%
$834,100 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$820,700 ↓ 2%
$1,809/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 34%
346,323
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.32%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Honolulu, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $28,347/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Hawaii has a lower income tax rate, making Honolulu slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Hayward — common questions

Is Honolulu or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Honolulu is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Hayward?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Hayward?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $28,347/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and California?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/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 Honolulu details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Honolulu and Hayward

Honolulu vs. Cleveland Honolulu vs. Anaheim Honolulu vs. New Orleans Honolulu vs. Henderson Honolulu vs. Aurora Honolulu vs. Lexington Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro