Houston, 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 | Houston | San Marcos | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 85 | 84 | San Marcos |
| Housing | 73 ($919) | 77 ($909) | Houston |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | San Marcos |
| Food & groceries | 84 ($344) | 68 ($279) | San Marcos |
| Utilities | 87 ($131) | 89 ($139) | Houston |
| Healthcare | 87 ($95) | 89 ($100) | Houston |
| 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 Houston, TX or San Marcos, TX cheaper to live in?
San Marcos, TX is cheaper overall by about 1 index points (Houston, TX: 85, San Marcos, TX: 84; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Houston, TX vs San Marcos, TX?
A single adult needs roughly $29,750/year in Houston, TX and $29,400/year in San Marcos, TX to cover basic living costs.