Austin, TX vs San Marcos, TX: Cost of Living Comparison
San Marcos has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Austin | San Marcos | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 128 | 84 | San Marcos |
| Housing | 147 ($1,159) | 77 ($909) | San Marcos |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Austin |
| Food & groceries | 122 ($500) | 68 ($279) | San Marcos |
| Utilities | 124 ($265) | 89 ($139) | San Marcos |
| Healthcare | 124 ($191) | 89 ($100) | San Marcos |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,620) | 100 ($48,620) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin, TX or San Marcos, TX cheaper to live in?
San Marcos, TX is cheaper overall by about 44 index points (Austin, TX: 128, San Marcos, TX: 84; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Austin, TX vs San Marcos, TX?
A single adult needs roughly $44,800/year in Austin, TX and $29,400/year in San Marcos, TX to cover basic living costs.