Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Hayward is 115% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,360/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 44%
$113,775/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 23%
$820,700 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 65%
$2,420/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 45%
159,201
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,044/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $12,528/year.

Median household income is $26,008/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Rochester — common questions

Is Hayward or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Rochester?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $1,044/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Rochester?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $26,008/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Rochester

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley