Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Hayward

California
200

Tampa is 44% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,567/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 51%
$71,302/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 60%
$375,300 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 119%
$1,553/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 56%
393,389
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $793/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $9,516/year.

Median household income is $42,473/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Hayward — common questions

Is Tampa or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Hayward?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $793/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Hayward?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $42,473/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 Tampa or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Hayward details →

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