Cost of Living: Hayward, CA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Hayward

California
200
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Hayward is 245% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,360/mo ↑ 149%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 60%
$113,775/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 51%
$820,700 ↑ 528%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 84%
$2,420/mo ↑ 160%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 62%
159,201
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,413/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $16,956/year.

Median household income is $57,873/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Topeka — common questions

Is Hayward or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Topeka?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,413/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Topeka?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $57,873/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between California and Kansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Hayward or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Topeka 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 Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks