Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Hayward is 141% more expensive than Athens.

$2,360/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 51%
$113,775/yr ↑ 120%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 55%
$820,700 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 67%
$2,420/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 52%
159,201
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,198/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $14,376/year.

Median household income is $62,120/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Athens — common questions

Is Hayward or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Athens?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $1,198/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Athens?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $62,120/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Athens details →

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