Elm Grove, WI vs Hayward, WI

The cost of living difference between Elm Grove, WI and Hayward, WI is dramatic. Hayward is 82.7% cheaper than Elm Grove, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Elm Grove has a cost index of 126 while Hayward sits at 69, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Elm Grove is $1,788/month compared to $691/month in Hayward — a 159% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hayward is more affordable at $184,200 median vs $468,000.

Median household income in Elm Grove is $133,304 compared to $40,085 in Hayward (+232.6%). While Elm Grove is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elm Grove spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, less than the 20.7% in Hayward.