2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Winter Haven, FL vs San Marcos, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Marcos or is it cheaper to live in Winter Haven?
- San Marcos is 69.1% more expensive than Winter Haven.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Marcos or Winter Haven?
- San Marcos housing costs are 261.1% more expensive than Winter Haven housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Winter Haven or is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos.
- Health related expenses are 11.8% less in San Marcos.
 Winter Haven, FLSan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries102.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing72.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$813,500$338,100
 Utilities102  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.9100
 Miscellaneous79.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Winter Haven    9 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

I moved here 4 years ago from Sarasota FL., because it seemed quiet, calmer, less expensive, and a reasonable distance back to SRQ, Tampa, and Orlando. What a mistake!  More

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Definitely NOT a fan. My son moved me here without checking the rental home or neighborhood. WOW, we're we in for a surprise. It's total ghetto. I would NEVER  More

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Over 9 years ago

I lived in Bartow, right down the road from WH for many years. This is not a metropolitan area. It is middle class, bedroom community. It will take you less than an hour  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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