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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Hayward is 100% more expensive than Denton.

$2,360/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 43%
$113,775/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 35%
$820,700 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 60%
$2,420/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 40%
159,201
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,016/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $12,192/year.

Median household income is $40,056/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Denton — common questions

Is Hayward or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Denton?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $1,016/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Denton?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $40,056/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

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