Hayward, CA vs Mesa, AZ
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
Mesa
67
#1475 nationally
Mesa leads in cost of living index (112 vs 173). Hayward leads in walk score (57 vs 38). Hayward leads in median household income ($105,371 vs $73,766).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.7 (#1891) | 67 (#1475) |
| Population | 155,675 | 511,648 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $831,558 | $433,754 |
| Median Household Income | $105,371 | $73,766 |
| Average Commute | 34.2 min | 24.8 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 38 |
| Crime Level | 13.1 | 13.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | R+3.5 |
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+
67 Score
Mesa, AZ
Major Arizona city with a diverse economy
Median Home
$433,754
Population
511,648
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
38
Southwest
View Mesa, AZ →