San Diego, 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 | San Diego | San Marcos | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 180 | 172 | San Marcos |
| Housing | 244 ($1,556) | 228 ($1,534) | San Marcos |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | San Marcos |
| Food & groceries | 140 ($574) | 141 ($578) | San Diego |
| Utilities | 172 ($439) | 164 ($410) | San Marcos |
| Healthcare | 172 ($317) | 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 San Diego, CA or San Marcos, CA cheaper to live in?
San Marcos, CA is cheaper overall by about 8 index points (San Diego, CA: 180, San Marcos, CA: 172; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Diego, CA vs San Marcos, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $63,000/year in San Diego, CA and $60,200/year in San Marcos, CA to cover basic living costs.