Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Hayward

California
200

Los Angeles is 6% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,879/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 26%
$80,366/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 42%
$879,500 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$820,700 ↓ 7%
$2,055/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 18%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $481/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $5,772/year.

Median household income is $33,409/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Hayward — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Hayward?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $481/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Hayward?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $33,409/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 Los Angeles or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Hayward

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro