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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Hayward

California
200

Ontario is 24% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,916/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 23%
$82,806/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 37%
$568,000 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 44%
$1,967/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 23%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $30,969/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Hayward — common questions

Is Ontario or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Hayward?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Hayward?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $30,969/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 Ontario or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Hayward

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro