Hayward, CA vs Waltham, MA
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
Waltham
66.7
#1517 nationally
Waltham leads in crime level (6.9 vs 13.1). Waltham leads in average commute (24.6 min vs 34.2 min). Waltham leads in median household income ($113,443 vs $105,371).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.7 (#1891) | 66.7 (#1517) |
| Population | 155,675 | 64,477 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $831,558 | $831,292 |
| Median Household Income | $105,371 | $113,443 |
| Average Commute | 34.2 min | 24.6 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 13.1 | 6.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 164 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | D+39.5 |
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
66.7 Score
Waltham, MA
Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$831,292
Population
64,477
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
57
Northeast
View Waltham, MA →