Hayward, CA vs Oakland, 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
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Oakland leads in walk score (73 vs 57). Hayward leads in median household income ($105,371 vs $85,459). Oakland leads in cost of living index (155 vs 173).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.7 (#1891) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 155,675 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $831,558 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $105,371 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 34.2 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 73 |
| Crime Level | 13.1 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | D+53.6 |
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-
62 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →