2026 Compare Cities Education:
Surprise, AZ vs San Marcos, CA

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Highlights
- San Marcos spends 54.8% more per student than Surprise.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 24.2% higher in San Marcos than in Surprise. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- San Marcos had 6.1% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to Surprise
 Surprise, AZSan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$16,358$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$8,653  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$8,084$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio18.24  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock187444573
 Students per Counselor718  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock6.8%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.4.8%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock87.8%88.9%
 Some College Educ.26.9%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock8.4%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.30.6%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock10.2%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.4%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.7%1.5%
Reviews for Surprise    52 Reviews

I have lived in Surprise, Az. For the past 21 years. One of the best cities to live in Az. From the police department to maintaining the streets & freeways. One thing I  More

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I am an Arizona native - 55 years - and have lived in Surprise since 2003. I wouldn't live anywhere else! I have watched this place grow and prosper. It is very family  More

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Over 12 years ago

The city of surprise is a beautiful place. It would not be a good place to live however. They have a young eager police force. You are taking a BIG risk driving  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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