Cost of Living in Hayward, CA
Population 159,201 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Hayward run well above the national baseline, with a median of $821,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $113,775 place the city among the better-paid California metros.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hayward
The median home value in Hayward is $820,700 — 169% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,360/month, 80% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $113,775/year is 53% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 68.5°F and lows of 50.8°F. Overall, Hayward has a cost of living index of 233 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 133% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 62 | 64 | 67 | 69 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 74 | 65 | 59 |
| Low °F | 43 | 45 | 47 | 50 | 52 | 55 | 57 | 58 | 58 | 54 | 47 | 43 |
| Precip" | 2.91 | 3.11 | 2.35 | 1.20 | 0.58 | 0.15 | 0.00 | 0.10 | 0.08 | 0.81 | 1.51 | 3.20 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hayward, CA?
Hayward has a cost index of 233 (100 = national average). It is 133% above the national average.
What is average rent in Hayward, CA?
The median gross rent in Hayward is $2,360 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hayward?
The median home value in Hayward is $820,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hayward?
The median household income in Hayward is $113,775 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hayward, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hayward is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Hayward, CA affordable?
Hayward is above average in cost of living, with an index of 233 — about 133% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Hayward?
Hayward has average high temperatures of 68.5°F and average lows of 50.8°F. Annual precipitation is 16". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hayward at a Glance
- Population
- 159,201
- Median Income
- $113,775
- Home Value
- $820,700
- Median Rent
- $2,360/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs