Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Hayward

California
200

Little Rock is 63% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,067/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 121%
$60,583/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 88%
$221,200 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 271%
$1,099/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 120%
202,739
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,293/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $15,516/year.

Median household income is $53,192/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Hayward — common questions

Is Little Rock or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Hayward?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,293/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Hayward?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $53,192/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and California?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View Hayward details →

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