Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Hayward

California
200

Tulsa is 66% cheaper than Hayward.

$998/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 136%
$58,407/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 95%
$189,600 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 333%
$1,027/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 136%
412,322
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,362/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $16,344/year.

Median household income is $55,368/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Tulsa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Hayward — common questions

Is Tulsa or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Hayward?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,362/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Hayward?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $55,368/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and California?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $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 Tulsa details → View Hayward details →

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