Riverside, CA vs San Marcos, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Riverside has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Riverside | San Marcos | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 133 | 172 | Riverside |
| Housing | 156 ($1,268) | 228 ($1,534) | Riverside |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | San Marcos |
| Food & groceries | 119 ($488) | 141 ($578) | Riverside |
| Utilities | 128 ($281) | 164 ($410) | Riverside |
| Healthcare | 128 ($203) | 164 ($296) | Riverside |
| 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 Riverside, CA or San Marcos, CA cheaper to live in?
Riverside, CA is cheaper overall by about 39 index points (Riverside, CA: 133, San Marcos, CA: 172; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Riverside, CA vs San Marcos, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $46,550/year in Riverside, CA and $60,200/year in San Marcos, CA to cover basic living costs.