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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Hayward

California
200

Colorado Springs is 40% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,562/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 51%
$83,198/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 37%
$420,700 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 95%
$1,592/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 52%
483,099
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $798/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $9,576/year.

Median household income is $30,577/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Hayward — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Hayward?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $798/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Hayward?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $30,577/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 Colorado Springs or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/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 Colorado Springs details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Colorado Springs and Hayward

Colorado Springs vs. Omaha Colorado Springs vs. Raleigh Colorado Springs vs. Atlanta Colorado Springs vs. Long Beach Colorado Springs vs. Mesa Colorado Springs vs. Virginia Beach Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro