Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Hayward

California
200

Washington is 14% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,900/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 24%
$106,287/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 7%
$724,600 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 13%
$2,103/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 15%
672,079
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Washington, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $7,488/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Hayward — common questions

Is Washington or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Washington is cheaper to live in with an index of 171 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Hayward?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Hayward?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $7,488/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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