Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Hayward

California
200

Worcester is 48% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,415/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 67%
$67,544/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 68%
$339,500 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 142%
$1,521/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 59%
205,501
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $945/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $11,340/year.

Median household income is $46,231/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Hayward — common questions

Is Worcester or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Hayward?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $945/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Hayward?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $46,231/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Hayward details →

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