Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs Hayward, CA (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Hayward

California
200

McKinney is 31% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,841/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 28%
$120,273/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↓ 5%
$439,500 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 87%
$2,101/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 15%
202,314
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $6,498/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Hayward — common questions

Is McKinney or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Hayward?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Hayward?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $6,498/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to McKinney or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/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 McKinney details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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