Cost of Living in San Marcos, TX

With a cost of living index of 96, San Marcos, TX is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 4% cheaper than the national average and 8% above the Texas state average of 88. With a population of 68,920, San Marcos is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in San Marcos's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,299 (2% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $269,700 (12% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.3x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in San Marcos is $51,030, which is 32% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 31% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to San Marcos. The area sees an average annual temperature of 69.6°F, with summers averaging 84°F and winters around 54°F. Annual rainfall totals 31.3 inches spread over roughly 78 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.