2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Philadelphia, PA vs San Marcos, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Marcos or is it cheaper to live in Philadelphia?
- San Marcos is 48.5% more expensive than Philadelphia.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Marcos or Philadelphia?
- San Marcos housing costs are 242.6% more expensive than Philadelphia housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Philadelphia or is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos.
- Health related expenses are 12.8% less in San Marcos.
 Philadelphia, PASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Overall104.3154.9100
 Food & Groceries102.5109.4100
 Health102.189.0100
 Housing75.9260.0100
 Median Home Cost$205,900$813,500$338,100
 Utilities108104100
 Transportation141.9122.9100
 Miscellaneous109.5153.9100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Philadelphia    139 Reviews

Philadelphia is a very walkable and fun city to explore (albeit be aware of where not to explore at least at night). The city has beautiful old architecture , great  More

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I’m originally from New York City, then lived in a small city in upstate New York for eight years, then moved down to Philadelphia and have lived here for many years.  More

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Now the only reason some people disagree is because MONEY. If you live in “manayunk” (which I lived for 2 years) you can’t compare … you can’t compare your out skirt  More

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Reviews for San Marcos    5 Reviews

Just an amazing place to live. I have lived in 7 states and almost countless cities. Sam Marcos is one of the best. This is literally the longest place I have lived  More

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Over 14 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

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Over 17 years ago

Beautiful Mediterranean climate with bright sunshine and ocean breazes. City is just 15 minutes away from the  More

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