2026 Compare Cities Education:
Marion, IA vs San Marcos, CA

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Highlights
- San Marcos spends 1.8% more per student than Marion.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 54.1% higher in San Marcos than in Marion. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- San Marcos had 9.3% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to Marion
 Marion, IASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$16,358$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$11,730  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$8,084$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio14.7  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock187444573
 Students per Counselor365  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock6.8%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.2.4%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock87.8%88.9%
 Some College Educ.20.4%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock8.4%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.36.7%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock10.2%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.3%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.7%1.5%
Reviews for Marion    3 Reviews

I've lived in Marion for ~22 years now, and it has its pros (+) and cons (-): + Marion is one of the safest places to live in the country. + The cost of living vs  More

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Over 16 years ago

Marion is clean, affordable and has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. The people here are friendly and helpful. Marion shares a border with Cedar Rapids  More

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Marion is one of the fastest growing communities in Iowa. We have a highly educated workforce, affordable housing, low crime and excellent education. Plus, there is much  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 16 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

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Over 19 years ago

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

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