Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Las Vegas

Nevada
111
VS

Hayward

California
200

Las Vegas is 44% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,456/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 62%
$70,723/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 61%
$395,300 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 108%
$1,452/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 67%
650,873
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Las Vegas, NV and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $904/month cheaper in Las Vegas, saving renters about $10,848/year.

Median household income is $43,052/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Las Vegas is $395,300 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Vegas vs Hayward — common questions

Is Las Vegas or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Vegas is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Las Vegas and Hayward?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $1,456/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $904/month.
Which city has higher income, Las Vegas or Hayward?
Median household income is $70,723 in Las Vegas and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $43,052/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Las Vegas or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,456/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 Las Vegas details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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