Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Hayward

California
200

Jersey City is 26% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,902/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 24%
$94,813/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 20%
$534,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 54%
$2,006/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 21%
289,691
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $18,962/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Jersey City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Hayward — common questions

Is Jersey City or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Hayward?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Hayward?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $18,962/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Hayward details →

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