Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Hayward

California
200

Memphis is 66% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,123/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 110%
$51,211/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 122%
$157,100 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 422%
$1,087/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 123%
629,063
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,237/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $14,844/year.

Median household income is $62,564/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Hayward — common questions

Is Memphis or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Hayward?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,237/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Hayward?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $62,564/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and California?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Hayward details →

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