Marlin, TX vs Mercedes, TX

Marlin, TX and Mercedes, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.8% difference in their overall index. Marlin scores 58 while Mercedes scores 59 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Marlin is $739/month compared to $676/month in Mercedes — a 9% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Mercedes has cheaper rent, Marlin actually has lower median home values ($49,800 vs $107,700).

Median household income in Marlin is $38,000 compared to $41,753 in Mercedes (-9%). While Mercedes is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Marlin spend roughly 23.3% of their income on rent, more than the 19.4% in Mercedes.

Climate-wise, Mercedes is notably warmer with an average of 75°F compared to 67.1°F in Marlin. Marlin receives more rainfall at 36.4" per year compared to 24" in Mercedes.