Hayward, CA vs Irvine, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Hayward
61.7
#1891 nationally
Irvine
67.2
#1452 nationally
Irvine leads in average commute (25.8 min vs 34.2 min). Hayward leads in walk score (57 vs 44). Irvine leads in median household income ($116,519 vs $105,371).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.7 (#1891) | 67.2 (#1452) |
| Population | 155,675 | 307,670 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $831,558 | $1,517,431 |
| Median Household Income | $105,371 | $116,519 |
| Average Commute | 34.2 min | 25.8 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 13.1 | Very Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 9.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 178 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | D+2.6 |
D-
61.7 Score
Hayward, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$831,558
Population
155,675
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
57
Pacific
View Hayward, CA →
D+
67.2 Score
Irvine, CA
Master-planned perfection in Southern California
Median Home
$1,517,431
Population
307,670
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A+
Pacific
View Irvine, CA →