2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Foster City, CA vs San Marcos, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Marcos or is it cheaper to live in Foster City?
- San Marcos is 38.0% less expensive than Foster City.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Marcos or Foster City?
- San Marcos housing costs are 57.9% less expensive than Foster City housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Foster City or is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos.
- Health related expenses are 24.2% less in San Marcos.
 Foster City, CASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries117.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing617.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$813,500$338,100
 Utilities98  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.9100
 Miscellaneous162.3  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Foster City    4 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

Built on lagoons, great climate, good schools, lots of soccer and other sports for kids, plenty of parking and  More

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Over 18 years ago

A great city to raise a family, safe, great weather around the year, good schools and plenty of recreation. But only if you can afford the hight cost of  More

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Landlords are able to command and receive high rent due to the following attributes: safety, weather and cleanliness of Foster City. The lagoon, waterways and gardens  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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