2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Marcos, TX vs Waukegan, IL

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Waukegan or is it cheaper to live in San Marcos?
- Waukegan is 14.2% less expensive than San Marcos.

Which city has more affordable housing, Waukegan or San Marcos?
- Waukegan housing costs are 42.3% less expensive than San Marcos housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos or is Health Care more affordable in Waukegan.
- Health related expenses are 11.4% less in Waukegan.
 San Marcos, TXWaukegan, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock97.0100
 Food & Groceries92.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock96.3100
 Housing100.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$181,800$338,100
 Utilities102  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock86.9100
 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 Waukegan    3 Reviews

Great people, beautifully diverse. All live and work together to provide the best for all residents. Lake County College is completing a 40 million dollar building  More

   |    Reply

Over 12 years ago

We're looking for a moderate climate. Waukegan is on Lake Michigan and could have a dynamic vibrant downtown but it doesn't. Great master plan if somehow Waukegan can  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

I have been living in north east waukegan for 12 years and I am excited by the recent surge of growth in the downtown area. Thanks to the Genesee theater, there are  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Waukegan


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.