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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Hayward is 36% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,360/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 22%
$113,775/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 33%
$820,700 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 38%
$2,420/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 11%
159,201
Population
149,424

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
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $37,162/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Naperville — common questions

Is Hayward or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Naperville?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Naperville?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $37,162/year higher in Naperville.
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 Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Naperville

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona