Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Hayward

California
200

Plano is 34% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,792/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 32%
$108,649/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 5%
$440,600 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 86%
$1,829/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 32%
287,339
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $568/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $6,816/year.

Median household income is $5,126/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Hayward — common questions

Is Plano or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Hayward?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $568/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Hayward?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $5,126/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Hayward

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