Cost of Living: Santa Clarita, CA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Hayward

California
200

Santa Clarita is 2% cheaper than Hayward.

$2,486/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↓ 5%
$119,926/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↓ 5%
$721,000 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 14%
$2,649/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↓ 9%
229,021
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Hayward, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $6,151/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Hayward — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Hayward?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $126/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Hayward?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $6,151/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Hayward

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro