Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs College Station, TX (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Hayward is 120% more expensive than College Station.

$2,360/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 51%
$113,775/yr ↑ 120%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 54%
$820,700 ↑ 151%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 60%
$2,420/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 48%
159,201
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,192/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $14,304/year.

Median household income is $61,999/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs College Station — common questions

Is Hayward or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and College Station?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $1,192/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or College Station?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $61,999/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and College Station

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette