Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Hayward

California
200

Aurora is 35% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,759/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 34%
$84,320/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 35%
$444,500 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 85%
$1,762/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 37%
390,201
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $29,455/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Hayward — common questions

Is Aurora or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Hayward?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Hayward?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $29,455/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Hayward

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