Hayward, CA vs San Jose, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Hayward has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Hayward | San Jose | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 179 | 238 | Hayward |
| Housing | 236 ($1,652) | 341 ($1,832) | Hayward |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | San Jose |
| Food & groceries | 152 ($623) | 190 ($779) | Hayward |
| Utilities | 168 ($425) | 221 ($614) | Hayward |
| Healthcare | 168 ($307) | 221 ($443) | 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 Jose, CA cheaper to live in?
Hayward, CA is cheaper overall by about 59 index points (Hayward, CA: 179, San Jose, CA: 238; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Hayward, CA vs San Jose, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $62,650/year in Hayward, CA and $83,300/year in San Jose, CA to cover basic living costs.