2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Solana Beach, CA vs San Marcos, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Marcos or is it cheaper to live in Solana Beach?
- San Marcos is 0.0% more expensive than Solana Beach.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Marcos or Solana Beach?
- San Marcos housing costs are 56.4% less expensive than Solana Beach housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Solana Beach or is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos.
- Health related expenses are 0.0% less in San Marcos.
 Solana Beach, CASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries118.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing596.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$813,500$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.9100
 Miscellaneous153.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Solana Beach    3 Reviews

I've lived in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Venice Beach, Hermosa Beach, San Luis Obispo, Carlsbad, Encinitas and my wife and I saved up every penny we could to buy a  More

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Rent has skyrocketed in Solana Beach in the past ten years. High rent and more people cramming into single person rental units.   More

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Over 21 years ago

Very expensive. Being from east coast it was hard because people dont speak to you in normal situations..example , picking up kids from school ..if you pass a parent  More

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Start Your Review of Solana Beach

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

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Over 16 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

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Over 19 years ago

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

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