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

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ripon or is it cheaper to live in San Marcos?
- Ripon is 19.5% less expensive than San Marcos.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ripon or San Marcos?
- Ripon housing costs are 21.8% less expensive than San Marcos housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos or is Health Care more affordable in Ripon.
- Health related expenses are 13.1% more in Ripon.
 San Marcos, CARipon, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock124.7100
 Food & Groceries109.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock100.7100
 Housing260.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$629,100$338,100
 Utilities104  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock111.1100
 Miscellaneous153.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Marcos

Reviews for Ripon    6 Reviews

Ripon, CA. Is one of the finest small towns in the Central Valley. Very little crime, almost 100 cameras all over town that the Ripon P.D monitors, very slow growth,  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

I’ve lived here for 17 years. We raised all three of our children here. Some of the schools are outdated and old fashion. Small town atmosphere. The city of Ripon works  More

   |    Reply

Coming home from work is like going on vacation. I cross the river into a larger city, Modesto,CA., to work daily. The hustle and bustle, rude drivers, etc., in  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ripon


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.