Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Hayward

California
200

Huntsville is 61% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,078/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 119%
$70,778/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 61%
$263,100 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 212%
$1,046/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 131%
218,814
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,282/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $15,384/year.

Median household income is $42,997/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Hayward — common questions

Is Huntsville or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Hayward?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,282/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Hayward?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $42,997/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and California?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Hayward

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro