2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
South Pasadena, 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 South Pasadena?
- San Marcos is 4.2% less expensive than South Pasadena.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Marcos or South Pasadena?
- San Marcos housing costs are 43.5% less expensive than South Pasadena housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in South Pasadena or is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos.
- Health related expenses are 2.7% more in San Marcos.
 South Pasadena, CASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries108.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing460.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$813,500$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.9100
 Miscellaneous133.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for South Pasadena    6 Reviews

i grew up in south pas, i’m currently 20. this is not a good place for individual expression. the old white people will stare you down no matter what it is that you’re  More

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I lived in South Pasadena from 2000-2009 and I really took it for granted until I moved. I relocated from the Midwest and I initially lived in Culver City for about  More

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Over 17 years ago

Because of the historic nature of the neigborhoods in South Pas, it appears in many films, TV and commercials. Halloween was filmed here, as well as dozens of movies.  More

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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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