2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Whitefish, MT vs San Marcos, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Marcos or is it cheaper to live in Whitefish?
- San Marcos is 33.9% more expensive than Whitefish.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Marcos or Whitefish?
- San Marcos housing costs are 23.5% more expensive than Whitefish housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Whitefish or is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos.
- Health related expenses are 11.8% less in San Marcos.
 Whitefish, MTSan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries105.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing210.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$813,500$338,100
 Utilities81  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.9100
 Miscellaneous106.2  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 Whitefish    3 Reviews

I love Whitefish! While I love Whitefish, I worry about the future. Whitefish has been a wonderful place to live for years. People are friendly & you know everyone.   More

   |    Reply

Whitefish is a resort town with a resort tax, cleaner and better managed that neighboring Kalispell, but also more expensive to live in. Still, if you're from a more  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

Whitefish is a small resort town, close to Glacier National Park. Lots of activities in summer and winter. A great place for kids. The schools are great too.   More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Whitefish

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

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Marcos


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.