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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Hayward is 228% more expensive than Peoria.

$2,360/mo ↑ 148%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 60%
$113,775/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 48%
$820,700 ↑ 449%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 82%
$2,420/mo ↑ 140%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 58%
159,201
Population
112,126

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
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,409/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $16,908/year.

Median household income is $55,059/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Peoria — common questions

Is Hayward or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Peoria?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $1,409/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Peoria?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $55,059/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 Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Peoria

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo