Cost of Living: Moreno Valley, CA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Hayward

California
200

Moreno Valley is 28% cheaper than Hayward.

$2,036/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 16%
$87,477/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 30%
$461,400 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 78%
$1,980/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 22%
210,378
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

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Moreno Valley, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $26,298/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Hayward — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Hayward?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $324/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Hayward?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $26,298/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 Moreno Valley or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Hayward

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