2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Columbia, SC vs San Marcos, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Marcos or is it cheaper to live in Columbia?
- San Marcos is 77.2% more expensive than Columbia.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Marcos or Columbia?
- San Marcos housing costs are 345.2% more expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Columbia or is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos.
- Health related expenses are 22.8% less in San Marcos.
 Columbia, SCSan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries96.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing58.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$813,500$338,100
 Utilities109  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.9100
 Miscellaneous92.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Columbia    50 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

I love living in Columbia! I recently graduated from USC and plan to stay. I read the reviews posted here and it shows that like many cities, your experience will depend  More

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Loved living in Columbia, SC prior to my job transfer. It's the perfect size - plenty to do, but still a laid back place. People are extremely friendly, there are  More

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Columbia is such a unique and underrated place. It has a lot of character and history, and good nature trails. Everything feels accessible (by car) and you can get from  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 15 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

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Over 18 years ago

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

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Start Your Review of San Marcos


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