Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Hayward is 122% more expensive than Elgin.

$2,360/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 47%
$113,775/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 22%
$820,700 ↑ 225%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 69%
$2,420/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 38%
159,201
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,100/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $13,200/year.

Median household income is $25,459/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Elgin — common questions

Is Hayward or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Elgin?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $1,100/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Elgin?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $25,459/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Elgin

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont