2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Hayward, CA vs Boston, MA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Boston or is it cheaper to live in Hayward?
- Boston is 22.9% less expensive than Hayward.

Which city has more affordable housing, Boston or Hayward?
- Boston housing costs are 21.2% less expensive than Hayward housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Hayward or is Health Care more affordable in Boston.
- Health related expenses are 23.2% less in Boston.
 Hayward, CABoston, MAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock150.8100
 Food & Groceries110.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.7100
 Housing290.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$656,500$338,100
 Utilities93  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock131.8100
 Miscellaneous158.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Hayward    4 Reviews

I've lived in Hayward for 20 years. Traditionally a working  More

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Hetchy Hechy water is very pure,the summers are about 78f..warm enough. Winters are sunny for the most part and by average.One University and one College in this small  More

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Over 12 years ago

convenient BART and bus if you have no  More

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Reviews for Boston    122 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

health care in the country, plenty of jobs, gorgeous architecture, cool neighborhoods, lots of great restaurants, and always something to do. The beautiful coast, the  More

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I've lived in/near Boston my whole life almost. It has many pros such as a big city feel, extremely safe, reliable train transportation, great food. However any pro  More

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I moved to MA from the country of Georgia in eastern Europe. Then traveled quite a bit in the U.S. Boston definitely has its own flavor. Suburbs offer okay schools,  More

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