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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Hayward

California
200

Salem is 48% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,323/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 78%
$71,900/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 58%
$382,400 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 115%
$1,440/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 68%
176,666
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,037/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $12,444/year.

Median household income is $41,875/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Hayward — common questions

Is Salem or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Hayward?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,037/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Hayward?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $41,875/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 Salem or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 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 Salem details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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