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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Hayward

California
200

Irving is 49% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,517/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 56%
$79,641/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 43%
$287,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 186%
$1,521/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 59%
255,036
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Irving, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $34,134/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Hayward — common questions

Is Irving or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Hayward?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $843/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Hayward?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $34,134/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Irving or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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 Irving details → View Hayward details →

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