Palm Desert, California vs. San Marcos, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in San Marcos, California is 25.8% more expensive than Palm Desert, California.

You would need a salary of $158,546 in San Marcos, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Palm Desert, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, San Marcos, California is more expensive than Palm Desert, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
50% more expensive in San Marcos
than in Palm Desert, California
Palm Desert, CA vs. San Marcos, CA
Compared to Palm Desert, San Marcos is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  25.8% higher
      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
  9.8% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  68.9% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  5.8% lower
  Commute
  2.3% lower
  Health
  1.9% higher
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  0.5% higher