Live Oak, TX vs. San Marcos, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Live Oak or San Marcos? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between the two Texas cities. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of living in Live Oak vs San Marcos in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between Live Oak and San Marcos:
| Housing Type | Live Oak | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $325,000 | $350,000 |
| Mortgage Payment (20% down) | $1,298 | $1,398 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,600 |
🏆 Winner: Live Oak. Housing costs are about 10-15% lower in Live Oak compared to San Marcos. A household moving from San Marcos to Live Oak might save $150-200 per month on housing alone.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with some seasonal variation:
- In Live Oak, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, water, and gas. Bills are highest in the hot summer months.
- San Marcos utility costs average $200/month, about 10% higher than Live Oak. The climate is similar, so seasonal patterns are comparable.
🏆 Winner: Live Oak, but only by a small margin. You might save $20-30/month on utilities in Live Oak.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and restaurant prices are nearly identical in Live Oak and San Marcos. Expect to budget around $350-400 per person for food each month. Both cities have a good mix of affordable supermarkets and local dining options.
🏆 Winner: Tie. The cost of groceries and eating out is comparable.
Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are the main difference when it comes to local taxes and fees:
- Live Oak has a property tax rate of 2.17%, slightly lower than the Texas average.
- In San Marcos, the property tax rate is 2.35%, about 8% higher.
- For a $350,000 home, that’s a difference of $630 per year.
HOA fees and other costs are similar. In Live Oak, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash service.
🏆 Winner: Live Oak. The lower property tax rate gives it an edge, especially for homeowners.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Live Oak | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $55 |
| Taxes | 2.17% | 2.35% |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,340 | $2,505 |
Lifestyle Fit
While the cost of living is lower in Live Oak, there are some lifestyle tradeoffs to consider:
- San Marcos has a larger downtown area with more dining and entertainment options. It’s also home to Texas State University.
- Live Oak is a smaller, quieter suburb. It’s great for families who want more space and a slower pace.
- San Marcos gets about 5°F hotter in the summer compared to Live Oak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Live Oak more affordable than San Marcos?
Yes, the cost of living in Live Oak is about 5-10% lower across major expense categories like housing, utilities, and taxes.
Which city has lower rent?
Live Oak has cheaper rental rates. A typical 2BR apartment is around $150 less per month compared to San Marcos.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Median home prices are about $25,000 lower in Live Oak. With a lower property tax rate too, Live Oak is more affordable for homebuyers.
Conclusion
Overall, Live Oak offers a lower cost of living than San Marcos. Housing costs are the biggest difference, with Live Oak being 10-15% cheaper whether renting or buying. Live Oak also has slightly lower utility bills and property taxes.
Budget-conscious households, especially families looking to buy a home, will likely find Live Oak to be the more affordable option. However, San Marcos may still be worth the added cost for some, given its university presence and more vibrant downtown.
Considering other cities too? Read our full breakdown of how much it costs to live in Live Oak each month. Or see our complete 2025 cost of living analysis for Live Oak, TX. Don’t forget to check out our best moving companies guide for helpful relocation tips.