Converse, TX vs. San Marcos, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Converse vs San Marcos. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Converse vs San Marcos in 2025.
Imagine Sarah, a nurse earning $5,500 per month before taxes, deciding between renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Converse or San Marcos. In Converse, she finds a unit for $1,250 monthly. Her weekly groceries total around $125. In San Marcos, a comparable apartment runs $1,450, with groceries closer to $140 weekly. Over a year, living in Converse would save Sarah $2,400 on rent and $780 on food alone.
1. Housing Costs
| Housing Type | Converse | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,100 – $1,400 | $1,300 – $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $325,000 | $390,000 |
🏆 Winner: Converse
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
In Converse, expect monthly utility bills around $180 for a 2BR apartment, with summer A/C usage spiking closer to $250. San Marcos runs about 10% higher, averaging $200-$275 monthly. Both cities offer off-peak savings plans to help manage costs.
🏆 Winner: Converse
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs in Converse and San Marcos are fairly comparable, with San Marcos trending about 5% higher overall. A gallon of milk averages $3.50 in Converse vs $3.70 in San Marcos. Restaurant prices are similar, though San Marcos has more upscale options that can inflate spending.
🏆 Winner: Converse
4. Taxes and Fees
Property tax rates in Converse average 2.2% vs 2.4% in San Marcos. For a $350K home, that’s a difference of $700 per year. Both cities charge similar service fees, with average HOA dues ranging $200-$350 monthly.
🏆 Winner: Converse
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Converse | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,250 | $1,450 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $500 | $525 |
| Transportation | $60 | $55 |
| Taxes (Property) | 2.2% | 2.4% |
| Misc Expenses | $250 | $280 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,240 | $2,510 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Converse offers lower living costs overall, San Marcos has advantages like walkability, a shorter average commute, and milder summer temperatures. Converse provides more space for the money, with larger apartments and homes on average. San Marcos averages 5°F cooler than Converse in July.
7. FAQ Section
Q: Is Converse more affordable than San Marcos?
A: Yes, Converse has lower costs for housing, utilities, and groceries, making it more affordable overall than San Marcos.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Converse has lower rental rates, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,100 – $1,400 vs $1,300 – $1,600 in San Marcos.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Median home prices in Converse are about $65,000 lower than in San Marcos, making it more affordable for buyers.
8. Conclusion
While both Converse and San Marcos offer a high quality of life, Converse comes out ahead on affordability. Families looking to stretch their budget and first-time homebuyers will find their money goes further in Converse. However, San Marcos may appeal more to young professionals who value walkability and don’t mind paying a bit extra. For a full picture of expenses in Converse, check out our guides on average monthly expenses and the total cost of living in 2025. Planning a move? Our best moving companies guide can streamline the process.