Moving from Hayward, CA to Los Angeles, CA
The 361 mi from Hayward to Los Angeles translate to about 6h 42m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
361 mi Β· 6h 42m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 580, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Fullerton, Pasadena, Downey, West Covina, El Monte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hayward | Los Angeles | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Hayward (115.613) and Los Angeles (113.566) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Los Angeles at $952,183 is 1.8% above Hayward at $848,427.
YoY change: Hayward -6.3%, Los Angeles -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hayward | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 48Β°F |
| July avg high | 75Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 16.0" | 14.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Los Angeles β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HAYWARD AIR TERMINAL, CA US, CULVER CITY, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hayward | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 159,201 | 3,857,897 |
| Median household income | $113,775 | $80,366 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.2% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 2.72 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.8% between Hayward and Los Angeles (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Los Angeles MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Los Angeles sees only 14.1 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is Los Angeles more expensive than Hayward?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Los Angeles is 1.8% lower than Hayward (113.566 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Los Angeles, CA from Hayward, CA?
The driving distance is 361 mi and the route typically takes 6h 42m via I 5 and I 580. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Los Angeles compared to Hayward?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $952,183 in Los Angeles vs $848,427 in Hayward β a 12.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Hayward to Los Angeles?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 361 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Hayward vs Los Angeles?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $80,366 in Los Angeles vs $113,775 in Hayward β a 29.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Los Angeles compare to Hayward?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Los Angeles MSA vs $72,050 in the Hayward MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hayward.
City profiles: Hayward, CA Β· Los Angeles, CA.