Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Hayward, CA (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Hayward

California
200

St. Petersburg is 47% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,542/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 53%
$73,118/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 56%
$331,500 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 148%
$1,435/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 69%
260,646
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $818/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $9,816/year.

Median household income is $40,657/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Hayward — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Hayward?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $818/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Hayward?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $40,657/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/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 St. Petersburg details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Hayward

St. Petersburg vs. Lubbock St. Petersburg vs. Laredo St. Petersburg vs. Fort Wayne St. Petersburg vs. Irving St. Petersburg vs. Toledo St. Petersburg vs. Chesapeake Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro