Is Torrance, CA cheaper than Hayward, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Torrance, CA is 18.5% cheaper than Hayward, CA. This translates to saving $1387 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Hayward, CA, you'd need approximately $133,359.525 in Torrance, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Torrance, CA is 28.7% cheaper than in Hayward, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,500/month in Torrance, CA compared to $2,455/month in Hayward, CA.

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

Moving from Hayward, CA to Torrance, CA could save you approximately $1387 per month, or $16640 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Hayward, CA vs Torrance, 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 $1.4K/month moving to Torrance, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.4K in Torrance, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 18.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,387

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.6K

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

Torrance, CA

Population:139K

Cost Index:

(18% below avg)

Median Home:$973K

Hayward, CA

The Golden State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Torrance, 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 Torrance, CA

Category	Hayward, CA	Torrance, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,035/mo	$4,304/mo	↓ $1,731less	28.7%
Healthcare	$698/mo	$544/mo	↓ $154less	22.1%
Other	$1,833/mo	$1,679/mo	↓ $154less	8.4%
Groceries	$1,146/mo	$1,025/mo	↓ $120less	10.5%
All Utilities	$443/mo	$550/mo	↑ $107more	24.2%
Transportation	$2,110/mo	$2,102/mo	↓ $7.93less	0.4%

Housing

↓ 28.7%

Hayward, CA

$6,035

Torrance, CA

$4,304

Difference

$1,731

less

Healthcare

↓ 22.1%

Hayward, CA

$698

Torrance, CA

$544

Difference

$154

less

Other

↓ 8.4%

Hayward, CA

$1,833

Torrance, CA

$1,679

Difference

$154

less

Groceries

↓ 10.5%

Hayward, CA

$1,146

Torrance, CA

$1,025

Difference

$120

less

All Utilities

↑ 24.2%

Hayward, CA

$443

Torrance, CA

$550

Difference

$107

Transportation

↓ 0.4%

Hayward, CA

$2,110

Torrance, CA

$2,102

Difference

$7.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,807

To$1,788

↓ $19.00

1 Bed

From$2,011

To$2,003

↓ $8.00

2 Bed

From$2,455

To$2,500

↑ $45.00

3 Bed

From$3,136

To$3,170

↑ $34.00

Hayward, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,330–$2,580/mo

Torrance, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,050–$2,530/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

$10,204

Monthly in Torrance, CA

$2,060

Difference

Home Values

Hayward

Torrance

$849K

Median Value

$973K

↓ -6.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +12.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.7%

$762K - $1.21M

Price Range

$726K - $1.38M

Homes in Torrance are 15% more expensive than Hayward

Calculate payment - Hayward Calculate payment - Torrance

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

Torrance, 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%

Torrance, 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.