Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Hayward

California
200

Lexington is 59% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,101/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 114%
$67,631/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 68%
$272,100 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 202%
$1,160/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 109%
321,122
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,259/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $15,108/year.

Median household income is $46,144/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Hayward — common questions

Is Lexington or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Hayward?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,259/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Hayward?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $46,144/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and California?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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.
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