Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Hayward

California
200

Scottsdale is 18% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,910/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 24%
$107,372/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 6%
$709,900 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 16%
$1,824/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 33%
242,169
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $6,403/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Hayward — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Hayward?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Hayward?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $6,403/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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