47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
50
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Hayward wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Hayward wins 1–3 overall (50/100)
💰 Hayward is more affordable
💼 Hayward has lower unemployment
🛡️ Hayward has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Hayward — The Verdict
Hayward scores 50.8/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Hayward edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Hayward has a notably lower disaster history with 44 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Hayward are 6% lower — a difference of $46,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Los Angeles saves you $469/month — that's $5,628 per year.
💵
Households in Hayward earn $29,127 more per year (38% higher median income).
🛡️
Hayward has experienced 44 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$775,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$2,260
Median Income
$76,244
$105,371
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 6% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
5.5%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
27 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
10
Hayward has a markedly lower disaster history — 44 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Hayward: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Hayward is more affordable overall. Home prices are $46,900 lower in Hayward. Monthly rent is $1,791 in Los Angeles vs $2,260 in Hayward.
Does Los Angeles or Hayward have better weather?
Hayward scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Hayward better for finding a job?
Hayward currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 5.5% in Hayward. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $105,371 in Hayward.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Hayward?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Hayward is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Hayward. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Hayward.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Hayward?
Based on our data, Hayward scores 50.8/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Los Angeles is more affordable, while Hayward has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.