Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Hayward

California
200

Philadelphia is 57% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,323/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 78%
$60,698/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 87%
$232,400 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 253%
$1,233/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 96%
1,582,432
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,037/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $12,444/year.

Median household income is $53,077/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Hayward — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Hayward?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,037/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Hayward?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $53,077/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Hayward details →

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