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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Hayward

California
200

Rochester is 70% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,039/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 127%
$46,628/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 144%
$120,600 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 581%
$1,009/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 140%
209,720
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,321/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $15,852/year.

Median household income is $67,147/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Hayward — common questions

Is Rochester or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Hayward?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,321/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Hayward?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $67,147/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Hayward

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