Alvin, TX vs San Marcos, TX

Alvin is moderately more affordable than San Marcos, with a 8.6% lower cost of living index. Alvin scores 88 compared to 96 for San Marcos, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of San Marcos can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Alvin is $1,164/month compared to $1,299/month in San Marcos — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alvin is more affordable at $212,500 median vs $269,700.

Median household income in Alvin is $68,769 compared to $51,030 in San Marcos (+34.8%). Alvin offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Alvin spend roughly 20.3% of their income on rent, less than the 30.5% in San Marcos. The Alvin ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.