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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Hayward

California
200

Sacramento is 34% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,694/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 39%
$83,753/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 36%
$484,600 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 69%
$1,752/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 38%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $666/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $7,992/year.

Median household income is $30,022/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Hayward — common questions

Is Sacramento or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Hayward?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $666/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Hayward?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $30,022/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 Sacramento or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Hayward details →

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