2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Marcos, TX vs West Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in West Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in San Marcos?
- West Des Moines is 23.4% less expensive than San Marcos.

Which city has more affordable housing, West Des Moines or San Marcos?
- West Des Moines housing costs are 8.9% less expensive than San Marcos housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos or is Health Care more affordable in West Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 5.8% less in West Des Moines.
 San Marcos, TXWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.6100
 Food & Groceries92.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.4100
 Housing100.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$282,300$338,100
 Utilities102  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock71.3100
 Miscellaneous101.9  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    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 West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

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Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

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We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

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