Santa Cruz, California vs. San Marcos, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in San Marcos, California is 23.6% cheaper than Santa Cruz, California.

You would need a salary of $68,727 in San Marcos, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Santa Cruz, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, San Marcos, California is cheaper than Santa Cruz, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
35% cheaper in San Marcos
than in Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz, CA vs. San Marcos, CA
Compared to Santa Cruz, San Marcos is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  23.6% 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
  1.9% lower
  Housing (Homeowner)
  34.3% lower
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  11.2% higher
  Commute
  11.2% higher
  Health
  18.5% lower
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  1.1% higher