Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Hayward

California
200

Lancaster is 38% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,696/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 39%
$76,083/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 50%
$409,100 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 101%
$1,746/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 39%
170,013
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $664/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $7,968/year.

Median household income is $37,692/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Hayward — common questions

Is Lancaster or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Hayward?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $664/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Hayward?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $37,692/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Hayward

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro