Irvine, CA vs San Marcos, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
San Marcos has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Irvine | San Marcos | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 225 | 172 | San Marcos |
| Housing | 320 ($2,025) | 228 ($1,534) | San Marcos |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | San Marcos |
| Food & groceries | 174 ($713) | 141 ($578) | San Marcos |
| Utilities | 210 ($576) | 164 ($410) | San Marcos |
| Healthcare | 210 ($416) | 164 ($296) | San Marcos |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Irvine, CA or San Marcos, CA cheaper to live in?
San Marcos, CA is cheaper overall by about 53 index points (Irvine, CA: 225, San Marcos, CA: 172; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Irvine, CA vs San Marcos, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $78,750/year in Irvine, CA and $60,200/year in San Marcos, CA to cover basic living costs.