Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Hayward is 45% more expensive than Thornton.

$2,360/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 23%
$113,775/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 11%
$820,700 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 41%
$2,420/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 21%
159,201
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $12,790/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Thornton — common questions

Is Hayward or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Thornton?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Thornton?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $12,790/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

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Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton