Los Altos, California vs. San Marcos, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in San Marcos, California is 67.1% cheaper than Los Altos, California.

You would need a salary of $24,709 in San Marcos, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Los Altos, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, San Marcos, California is cheaper than Los Altos, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
78% cheaper in San Marcos
than in Los Altos, California
Los Altos, CA vs. San Marcos, CA
Compared to Los Altos, San Marcos is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  67.1% lower
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Renter
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Food
  13.8% lower
  Housing (Homeowner)
  81.3% lower
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  13.0% higher
  Commute
  12.0% lower
  Health
  17.4% lower
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  1.5% higher