Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Hayward

California
200

Portland is 31% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,596/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 48%
$88,792/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 28%
$557,600 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 47%
$1,771/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 37%
642,715
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $764/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $9,168/year.

Median household income is $24,983/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Hayward — common questions

Is Portland or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Hayward?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $764/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Hayward?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $24,983/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Hayward details →

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