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

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Riverside or is it cheaper to live in San Marcos?
- Riverside is 16.1% more expensive than San Marcos.

Which city has more affordable housing, Riverside or San Marcos?
- Riverside housing costs are 76.6% more expensive than San Marcos housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos or is Health Care more affordable in Riverside.
- Health related expenses are 19.7% less in Riverside.
 San Marcos, TXRiverside, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock131.2100
 Food & Groceries92.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock87.3100
 Housing100.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$590,700$338,100
 Utilities102  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock146.1100
 Miscellaneous101.9  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    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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Marcos

Reviews for Riverside    42 Reviews

I've lived in Riverside for 54 years. It changed a LOT when people from LA started moving here in droves. Still, I have never been robbed or assaulted but I am  More

   |    Reply

I'm from Orange County (OC). I have had nothing but trouble since moving to Riverside. 1. The dogs are aggressive guard dogs. If you want to walk or bike you  More

   |    Reply

Over 7 years ago

Whew where to begin with dear old riverside. I enjoyed growing up here until my high school years (back in 2011). In 7 short years the downward deterioration of the  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Riverside


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.