Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Round Rock, TX (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Hayward is 64% more expensive than Round Rock.

$2,360/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↓ 27%
$113,775/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↓ 15%
$820,700 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 53%
$2,420/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↓ 26%
159,201
Population
124,288

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $647/month cheaper in Round Rock, saving renters about $7,764/year.

Median household income is $16,588/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Round Rock residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Hayward or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Round Rock?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $647/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Round Rock?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $16,588/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Round Rock details →

More Comparisons

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