2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Joshua Tree, CA vs San Marcos, TX

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Marcos or is it cheaper to live in Joshua Tree?
- San Marcos is 4.7% less expensive than Joshua Tree.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Marcos or Joshua Tree?
- San Marcos housing costs are 2.0% less expensive than Joshua Tree housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Joshua Tree or is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos.
- Health related expenses are 19.2% more in San Marcos.
 Joshua Tree, CASan Marcos, TXUnited States
 Overall  Unlock113.0100
 Food & Groceries96.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock108.7100
 Housing102.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$335,100$338,100
 Utilities107  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock106.8100
 Miscellaneous110.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Joshua Tree    3 Reviews

1973 - 1987 Like any small town certain families have more pull. This was the case for what seem to even narrow more down to schools like Salazar & Dubose. It seemed  More

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went to crossroads, a local restaurant in town, and ran across some folks who are relocating to joshua tree from south carolina. they were in town to go to the art  More

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Just 45 minutes from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree is 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the low desert, and is the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park. The city itself it tiny,  More

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Reviews for San Marcos    6 Reviews

An area with so much potential and existing natural beauty.Sadly bad urban planning is clearly obvious.Looks like fun for tens of thousands of students.However for the  More

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Over 16 years ago

San Marcos has the most beautiful people and places that I have ever seen throughout my travels. I love this city so much that I decided to settle down here and start a  More

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Over 17 years ago

I spent several summers and a couple winters in San Marcos during my formidable years and really have to tell those interested about what a nice town it is. The best  More

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