Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Hayward

California
200

Augusta is 66% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,087/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 117%
$53,134/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 114%
$162,900 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 404%
$1,053/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 130%
201,504
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,273/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $15,276/year.

Median household income is $60,641/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Augusta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Hayward — common questions

Is Augusta or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Hayward?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,273/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Hayward?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $60,641/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and California?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Hayward details →

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