Killeen, TX vs San Marcos, TX

Killeen is moderately more affordable than San Marcos, with a 13.3% lower cost of living index. Killeen scores 83 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 Killeen is $1,147/month compared to $1,299/month in San Marcos — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Killeen is more affordable at $196,000 median vs $269,700.

Median household income in Killeen is $58,339 compared to $51,030 in San Marcos (+14.3%). Killeen offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Killeen spend roughly 23.6% of their income on rent, less than the 30.5% in San Marcos. The Killeen ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (67.4°F vs 69.6°F). Killeen receives more rainfall at 33" per year compared to 31.3" in San Marcos.