Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Hayward

California
200

Seattle is 2% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,998/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 18%
$121,984/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↓ 7%
$912,100 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$820,700 ↓ 10%
$2,220/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 9%
741,440
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $8,209/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Hayward — common questions

Is Seattle or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Hayward?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Hayward?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $8,209/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Hayward

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