Moving from Centennial, CO to Hayward, CA
Relocating 1279 mi from Centennial to Hayward is a 22h 3m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1279 mi Β· 22h 3m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 25, US 287 |
| Major cities en route | San Jose, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | Hayward | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $649,086 to $848,427 moving to Hayward.
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Hayward -6.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 75Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 16.0" |
Expect 9.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, HAYWARD AIR TERMINAL, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 159,201 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $113,775 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 3.22 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.3% lower in Hayward than Centennial.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hayward MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Hayward, CA from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 1279 mi and the route typically takes 22h 3m via I 80 and I 25. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Hayward compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $848,427 in Hayward vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 30.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Hayward?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1279 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Hayward more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hayward is 9.3% higher than Centennial (115.613 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Hayward compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Hayward MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Hayward?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,775 in Hayward vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 11.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Hayward, CA.