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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Hayward

California
200

Fort Collins is 32% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,661/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 42%
$83,598/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 36%
$548,400 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 50%
$1,692/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 43%
169,705
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $699/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $8,388/year.

Median household income is $30,177/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Hayward — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Hayward?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $699/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Hayward?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $30,177/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 Fort Collins or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Hayward details →

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