Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Hayward, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 10.7% cheaper than Hayward, CA. This translates to saving $803 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Hayward, CA, you'd need approximately $140,361.097 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Hayward, CA and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 13.4% cheaper than in Hayward, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $2,455/month in Hayward, CA.

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

Moving from Hayward, CA to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $803 per month, or $9639 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Hayward, CA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 $803/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.4K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$803

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.6K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

(11% below avg)

Median Home:$980K

Hayward, CA

The Golden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Hayward, CA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Hayward, CA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,035/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $812less	13.4%
Transportation	$2,110/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $539less	25.5%
All Utilities	$443/mo	$634/mo	↑ $191more	43.1%
Groceries	$1,146/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $66.77less	5.8%
Healthcare	$698/mo	$638/mo	↓ $60.13less	8.6%
Other	$1,833/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $59.10more	3.2%

Housing

↓ 13.4%

Hayward, CA

$6,035

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$812

less

Transportation

↓ 25.5%

Hayward, CA

$2,110

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$539

less

All Utilities

↑ 43.1%

Hayward, CA

$443

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$191

Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Hayward, CA

$1,146

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$66.77

less

Healthcare

↓ 8.6%

Hayward, CA

$698

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$60.13

less

Other

↑ 3.2%

Hayward, CA

$1,833

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$59.10

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,807

To$2,565

↑ $758

1 Bed

From$2,011

To$2,755

↑ $744

2 Bed

From$2,455

To$3,360

↑ $905

3 Bed

From$3,136

To$4,475

↑ $1,339

Hayward, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,330–$2,580/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$1,227

Difference

Home Values

Hayward

San Diego

$849K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -6.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +12.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$762K - $1.21M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 15% more expensive than Hayward

Calculate payment - Hayward Calculate payment - San Diego

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

San Diego, 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%

San Diego, 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.