Cities › California

Cost of Living in Hayward, CA

Population 158,801 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$2,391
Median home value$854,400
Median household income$113,318

The median rent in Hayward, CA is $2,391/month, 17% higher than the California median and 69% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $854,400, 157% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $113,318 a year, 14% higher than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 25.3%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $95,640/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 7.5×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $4,320/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Hayward vs. California vs. U.S.

HaywardCaliforniaU.S.
Median rent$2,391$2,036$1,413
Median home value$854,400$734,700$332,700
Median household income$113,318$99,122$80,734
Homeownership rate58.0%55.9%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher34.0%37.1%35.7%
Poverty rate9.6%12.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate6.3%6.6%5.2%
Work from home13.9%17.2%15.1%
Median age38.637.938.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Hayward, CA?

The median gross rent in Hayward, CA is $2,391 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Hayward, CA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $95,640 a year in gross income.

Is Hayward, CA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 69% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 7.5 times the median household income.

Other cities in California

Los Angeles, CARent $1,933 · Income $81,939San Diego, CARent $2,313 · Income $108,077San Jose, CARent $2,669 · Income $146,427San Francisco, CARent $2,476 · Income $140,970Fresno, CARent $1,421 · Income $70,991Sacramento, CARent $1,779 · Income $87,321

Cities with a similar cost of living

Jupiter, FLRent $2,381 · Income $110,240Frederickson, WARent $2,386 · Income $109,500Stamford, CTRent $2,276 · Income $111,586Palm Beach Gardens, FLRent $2,417 · Income $106,947Selden, NYRent $2,311 · Income $108,952World Golf Village, FLRent $2,299 · Income $117,212

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

Explore more

Best Web Hosting for First-Time Site Owners (2026)Best AI Writing Tools for Marketers & Solo Founders (2026)Mortgage Payment CalculatorDiscount CalculatorPlay: Tide Pool PopPlay: Orbit Dodge
Get the best finds weekly

New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.