2025 Compare Cities Overview:
San Marcos, TX vs Joshua Tree, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Joshua Tree older or younger than people in San Marcos?
- The Median Age in Joshua Tree is 15.3 years older than in San Marcos.

Are housing costs cheaper in Joshua Tree or San Marcos?
- Joshua Tree housing costs are 26.7% more expensive than San Marcos housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Joshua Tree or San Marcos?
- The average commute for residents of Joshua Tree is 10.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of San Marcos.

Things to do in San Marcos?
San Marcos, Texas is a vibrant city located in the heart of Hays County. This welcoming community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the Wonder World Cave or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Rio Vista Park, Aquarena Springs and Purgatory Creek Natural Area. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make San Marcos their home.

Things to do in Joshua Tree?
Living in Joshua Tree, CA is an experience like no other. The desert landscape provides an idyllic setting of open skies, rocky terrain, and endless sunsets that create a feeling of serenity and beauty. With plenty of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, camping, hiking, biking, and even stargazing available all year round, Joshua Tree is truly a great place to explore the outdoors. The town itself is also full of eclectic shops and restaurants that add to the unique charm of the area. Despite being located in the middle of the desert, Joshua Tree enjoys relatively mild weather year-round making it a great place for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

 San Marcos, TXJoshua Tree, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock7,398329,725,481
 Median Income$42,500  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$335,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.06  Unlock26.38
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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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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