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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Hayward

California
200

Denver is 26% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,770/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 33%
$91,681/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 24%
$586,700 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 40%
$1,839/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 32%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $590/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $7,080/year.

Median household income is $22,094/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Hayward — common questions

Is Denver or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Hayward?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $590/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Hayward?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $22,094/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 Denver or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Hayward

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro