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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Hayward is 125% more expensive than Killeen.

$2,360/mo ↑ 106%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 51%
$113,775/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 49%
$820,700 ↑ 319%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 76%
$2,420/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 51%
159,201
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,213/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $14,556/year.

Median household income is $55,436/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Killeen — common questions

Is Hayward or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Killeen?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $1,213/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Killeen?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $55,436/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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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