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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Hayward

California
200

Tacoma is 37% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,597/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 48%
$83,857/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 36%
$454,600 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 81%
$1,747/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 39%
220,482
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $29,918/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Hayward — common questions

Is Tacoma or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Hayward?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Hayward?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $29,918/year higher in Hayward.
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 Tacoma or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Hayward details →

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