Hayward, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Hayward has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Hayward | San Francisco | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 179 | 265 | Hayward |
| Housing | 236 ($1,652) | 396 ($1,693) | Hayward |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | San Francisco |
| Food & groceries | 152 ($623) | 189 ($775) | Hayward |
| Utilities | 168 ($425) | 248 ($713) | Hayward |
| Healthcare | 168 ($307) | 248 ($515) | Hayward |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hayward, CA or San Francisco, CA cheaper to live in?
Hayward, CA is cheaper overall by about 86 index points (Hayward, CA: 179, San Francisco, CA: 265; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Hayward, CA vs San Francisco, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $62,650/year in Hayward, CA and $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA to cover basic living costs.