2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Poway, 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 Poway?
- San Marcos is 0.0% more expensive than Poway.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Marcos or Poway?
- San Marcos housing costs are 19.0% less expensive than Poway housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Poway or is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos.
- Health related expenses are 0.0% less in San Marcos.
 Poway, CASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries111.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing320.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$813,500$338,100
 Utilities115  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.9100
 Miscellaneous153.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Poway    10 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Poway is a great place to live. People are friendly, neighbors watch out for each other. Great trails, beautiful views. Love to hear the birds. Family oriented. Yes  More

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Over 5 years ago

Moved here 37 years ago and love the birds singing in the morning, minimal traffic noise, and convenience to Carmel Mountain Ranch for shopping. Easy access to the  More

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I've lived here for 30 years. Back 30 years ago it was great. Small town, friendly people, etc. NOW Traffic is pretty bad but still better than most of SD county. I'm  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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