2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Marcos, CA vs Morro Bay, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Morro Bay or is it cheaper to live in San Marcos?
- Morro Bay is 5.7% less expensive than San Marcos.

Which city has more affordable housing, Morro Bay or San Marcos?
- Morro Bay housing costs are 6.8% more expensive than San Marcos housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos or is Health Care more affordable in Morro Bay.
- Health related expenses are 22.4% more in Morro Bay.
 San Marcos, CAMorro Bay, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock146.1100
 Food & Groceries109.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock108.9100
 Housing260.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$906,200$338,100
 Utilities104  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock94.6100
 Miscellaneous153.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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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Reviews for Morro Bay    2 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

Morro Bay is mostly a small,quiet,working fishing and retirement community.It is located approximately 12 miles north of San Luis Obispo,Ca.The weather here is mild most  More

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Beautiful area, right on the ocean, cool huge rock in the water. I love the small, walkable community and the farmers market is awesome. The temperature is always  More

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