Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Hayward

California
200

Newark is 50% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,330/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 77%
$48,416/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 135%
$337,800 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 143%
$1,419/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 71%
307,188
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,030/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $12,360/year.

Median household income is $65,359/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Newark slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Hayward — common questions

Is Newark or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Hayward?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,030/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Hayward?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $65,359/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Hayward details →

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