Is Fullerton, CA cheaper than Hayward, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Fullerton, CA is 6.2% cheaper than Hayward, CA. This translates to saving $463 per month.

What salary do I need in Fullerton, CA to live like I do in Hayward, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Hayward, CA, you'd need approximately $144,446.839 in Fullerton, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Hayward, CA and Fullerton, CA?

Housing in Fullerton, CA is 12.0% cheaper than in Hayward, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,213/month in Fullerton, CA compared to $2,455/month in Hayward, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Hayward, CA to Fullerton, CA?

Moving from Hayward, CA to Fullerton, CA could save you approximately $463 per month, or $5553 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Hayward, CA vs Fullerton, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Hayward, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $463/month moving to Fullerton, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.4K in Fullerton, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$463

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Hayward, CA

Population:156K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$849K

Fullerton, CA

Population:139K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$833K

Hayward, CA

The Golden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 156K residents.

Fullerton, CA

The Golden State

139K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 139K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Hayward, CA vs Fullerton, CA

Category	Hayward, CA	Fullerton, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,035/mo	$5,309/mo	↓ $726less	12.0%
Healthcare	$698/mo	$547/mo	↓ $152less	21.7%
Other	$1,833/mo	$1,694/mo	↓ $138less	7.5%
Groceries	$1,146/mo	$1,030/mo	↓ $116less	10.1%
All Utilities	$443/mo	$552/mo	↑ $110more	24.7%
Transportation	$2,110/mo	$2,121/mo	↑ $11.22more	0.5%

Housing

↓ 12.0%

Hayward, CA

$6,035

Fullerton, CA

$5,309

Difference

$726

less

Healthcare

↓ 21.7%

Hayward, CA

$698

Fullerton, CA

$547

Difference

$152

less

Other

↓ 7.5%

Hayward, CA

$1,833

Fullerton, CA

$1,694

Difference

$138

less

Groceries

↓ 10.1%

Hayward, CA

$1,146

Fullerton, CA

$1,030

Difference

$116

less

All Utilities

↑ 24.7%

Hayward, CA

$443

Fullerton, CA

$552

Difference

$110

Transportation

↑ 0.5%

Hayward, CA

$2,110

Fullerton, CA

$2,121

Difference

$11.22

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,807

To$1,462

↓ $345

1 Bed

From$2,011

To$1,712

↓ $299

2 Bed

From$2,455

To$2,213

↓ $242

3 Bed

From$3,136

To$3,174

↑ $38.00

Hayward, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,330–$2,580/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$12,264

Monthly in Hayward, CA

$11,253

Monthly in Fullerton, CA

$1,011

Difference

Home Values

Hayward

Fullerton

$849K

Median Value

↓ -6.4%

YoY Change

↑ +12.7%

5-Year Change

$762K - $1.21M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Hayward

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Hayward, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Fullerton, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Hayward, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Fullerton, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.