Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Hayward

California
200

Springfield is 70% cheaper than Hayward.

$920/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 157%
$45,984/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 147%
$165,200 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 397%
$908/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 167%
169,432
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,440/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $17,280/year.

Median household income is $67,791/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Hayward — common questions

Is Springfield or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Hayward?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,440/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Hayward?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $67,791/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and California?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/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 Springfield details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Hayward

Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Garden Grove Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Hayward vs. Fort Collins