Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Hayward is 92% more expensive than Olathe.

$2,360/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 44%
$113,775/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↓ 1%
$820,700 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 58%
$2,420/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↓ 31%
159,201
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,046/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $12,552/year.

Median household income is $1,543/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Olathe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Olathe — common questions

Is Hayward or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Olathe?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $1,046/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Olathe?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $1,543/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Kansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Olathe has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Olathe

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton