Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Hayward

California
200

Lincoln is 62% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,045/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 126%
$69,991/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 63%
$248,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 231%
$1,140/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 112%
291,932
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,315/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $15,780/year.

Median household income is $43,784/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Nebraska has a lower income tax rate, making Lincoln slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Hayward — common questions

Is Lincoln or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Hayward?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,315/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Hayward?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $43,784/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and California?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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