San Marcos, CA vs. San Diego, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move between San Marcos and San Diego? Let’s compare the real cost of living in these two Southern California cities.
Imagine Olivia, a marketing manager earning $6,000 per month in gross pre-tax income. In San Diego, she pays $2,400 for a modest 2-bedroom apartment. Her weekly groceries typically cost around $120.
If Olivia moves to San Marcos, she could rent a similar apartment for around $2,000. Her grocery bill might drop to $100 per week, since San Marcos has slightly lower food costs than San Diego proper.
Housing and food are just part of the equation. Let’s dive into a full cost of living comparison between San Marcos and San Diego in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage prices compare:
| Housing Type | San Marcos | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,000 | $2,400 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $750,000 | $950,000 |
🏆 Winner: San Marcos. You’ll generally pay 15-20% less for housing in San Marcos compared to central San Diego.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Both cities have mild climates, but inland San Marcos gets a bit hotter in summer. Expect to pay around $150/month for electricity in San Marcos, versus $130 in San Diego.
Water, sewage, and garbage collection fees are fairly similar. Budget about $80/month in either city.
🏆 Winner: San Diego, but only slightly. Your utility bills might be $20-$40 higher per month in San Marcos.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Overall, groceries cost about 5% less in San Marcos than San Diego. A gallon of milk averages $3.50 in San Marcos, compared to $3.75 in San Diego.
Dining out is also a bit cheaper. A meal for two at a mid-range San Marcos restaurant might cost $60, versus $75 in San Diego.
🏆 Winner: San Marcos. You’ll save a little on everyday expenses like food and household items.
Taxes and Fees
California charges a flat 1% property tax rate statewide. However, San Diego’s median home price is about 25% higher than San Marcos. If you buy a house, your annual property tax bill will likely be higher in San Diego.
Both cities charge a small fee for trash collection. San Marcos’ fee is currently $23/month, while San Diego charges $16-$21 depending on bin size.
🏆 Winner: San Marcos has the edge for homeowners, due to lower property taxes. Renters won’t notice much difference in city fees.
Cost Summary
| Monthly Expense | San Marcos | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $2,000 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $230 | $210 |
| Groceries | $400 | $480 |
| Transportation | $60 | $72 |
| Taxes & Fees | $23 | $18 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,213 | $3,780 |
Lifestyle Fit
San Marcos offers more space for your money, with larger apartments and homes than you’ll find in San Diego proper. Traffic is a bit lighter, and parking is easier.
However, San Diego has better walkability and public transit. Living in the city, you can get by without a car. San Marcos is more auto-dependent.
San Diego’s coastal location means milder temperatures and cool ocean breezes. San Marcos averages 5°F warmer than San Diego during summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Marcos more affordable than San Diego?
Yes, the cost of living is generally 10-20% lower in San Marcos. Housing is the biggest difference, with rents and home prices significantly lower than central San Diego.
Which city has cheaper rent, San Marcos or San Diego?
San Marcos has lower rent, with prices around 15% below similar apartments in San Diego.
Is it less expensive to buy a home in San Marcos or San Diego?
Buying a home is more affordable in San Marcos. The median home price is about $200,000 lower than in San Diego as of 2025.
The Bottom Line
San Marcos offers a lower cost of living than San Diego, particularly for housing. Expect to spend around $400 less per month on rent and everyday expenses in San Marcos.
However, San Diego provides better walkability and public transportation. It’s easier to live car-free in the city compared to suburban San Marcos.
If budget is your top priority, San Marcos is the clear winner. But if you prefer an urban lifestyle and can afford the premium, San Diego may be worth the extra cost.
Considering other California cities? Check out our detailed cost of living guide for San Marcos or see the average monthly expenses in San Marcos for more insights.