Cost of Living: Yonkers, NY vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Yonkers

New York
133
VS

Hayward

California
200

Yonkers is 34% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,730/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 36%
$81,816/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 39%
$478,000 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 72%
$1,759/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 38%
209,529
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Yonkers, NY and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 133 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $630/month cheaper in Yonkers, saving renters about $7,560/year.

Median household income is $31,959/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Yonkers is $478,000 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Yonkers slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yonkers vs Hayward — common questions

Is Yonkers or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Yonkers is cheaper to live in with an index of 133 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Yonkers and Hayward?
Median rent in Yonkers is $1,730/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $630/month.
Which city has higher income, Yonkers or Hayward?
Median household income is $81,816 in Yonkers and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $31,959/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Yonkers or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with median rent of $1,730/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 Yonkers details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Yonkers and Hayward

Yonkers vs. Fayetteville Yonkers vs. Cape Coral Yonkers vs. Rochester Yonkers vs. Worcester Yonkers vs. Frisco Yonkers vs. Columbus Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro