Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Hayward

California
200

Norfolk is 56% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,246/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 89%
$64,017/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 78%
$271,900 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 202%
$1,366/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 77%
235,037
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,114/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $13,368/year.

Median household income is $49,758/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Hayward — common questions

Is Norfolk or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Hayward?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,114/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Hayward?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $49,758/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Hayward details →

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