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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Hayward is 32% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,360/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 24%
$113,775/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$113,396/yr ≈ Same
$820,700 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 27%
$2,420/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 20%
159,201
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $558/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $6,696/year.

Median household income is $379/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Arvada — common questions

Is Hayward or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Arvada?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $558/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Arvada?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $379/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

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