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

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Hayward

California
200

Oxnard is 20% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,962/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 20%
$93,372/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 22%
$617,800 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 33%
$1,976/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 22%
201,014
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

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Oxnard, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $20,403/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Hayward — common questions

Is Oxnard or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oxnard is cheaper to live in with an index of 159 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Hayward?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Hayward?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $20,403/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 Oxnard or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/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 Oxnard details → View Hayward details →

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