Hayward, CA vs Sunnyvale, 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
Sunnyvale
66.4
#1551 nationally
Sunnyvale leads in median household income ($168,924 vs $105,371). Sunnyvale leads in average commute (25.6 min vs 34.2 min). Hayward leads in cost of living index (173 vs 205).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.7 (#1891) | 66.4 (#1551) |
| Population | 155,675 | 155,805 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $831,558 | $2,050,814 |
| Median Household Income | $105,371 | $168,924 |
| Average Commute | 34.2 min | 25.6 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 54 |
| Crime Level | 13.1 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.6 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 205 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | D+40.0 |
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
66.4 Score
Sunnyvale, CA
Heart of tech innovation
Median Home
$2,050,814
Population
155,805
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Pacific
View Sunnyvale, CA →