Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Hayward

California
200

Chicago is 50% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,380/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 71%
$75,134/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 51%
$315,200 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 160%
$1,502/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 61%
2,707,648
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $980/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $11,760/year.

Median household income is $38,641/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Hayward — common questions

Is Chicago or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Hayward?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $980/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Hayward?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $38,641/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Hayward

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