Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Hayward

California
200

Modesto is 40% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,609/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 47%
$77,899/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 46%
$415,600 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 97%
$1,613/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 50%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $751/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $9,012/year.

Median household income is $35,876/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Hayward — common questions

Is Modesto or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Hayward?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $751/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Hayward?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $35,876/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 Modesto or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro