Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Hayward is 96% more expensive than Provo.

$2,360/mo ↑ 105%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 51%
$113,775/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 45%
$820,700 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 47%
$2,420/mo ↑ 98%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 50%
159,201
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,208/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $14,496/year.

Median household income is $50,975/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Provo — common questions

Is Hayward or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Provo?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $1,208/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Provo?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $50,975/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Provo details →

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