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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Hayward is 44% more expensive than Westminster.

$2,360/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 23%
$113,775/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 15%
$820,700 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 39%
$2,420/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↓ 24%
159,201
Population
115,546

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $544/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $6,528/year.

Median household income is $17,630/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Westminster — common questions

Is Hayward or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Westminster is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Westminster?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $544/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Westminster?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $17,630/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 Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hayward details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Westminster

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point