Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Hayward

California
200

Virginia Beach is 42% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,649/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 43%
$90,685/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 25%
$366,300 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 124%
$1,704/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 42%
457,066
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $711/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $8,532/year.

Median household income is $23,090/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Virginia Beach slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Hayward — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Hayward?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $711/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Hayward?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $23,090/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Hayward details →

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