Cost of Living in San Marcos, TX
Population 68,920 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
San Marcos lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $270,000 — 12% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Texas. A poverty rate near 27% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
San Marcos is about 30 miles southwest of Austin, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than Austin's $513,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in San Marcos
The median home value in San Marcos is $269,700 — 12% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,299/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,030/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 81.5°F and lows of 57.7°F. Overall, San Marcos has a cost of living index of 93 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 64 | 68 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 93 | 96 | 98 | 92 | 84 | 73 | 65 |
| Low °F | 40 | 44 | 51 | 58 | 66 | 71 | 73 | 73 | 68 | 59 | 49 | 42 |
| Precip" | 2.14 | 1.72 | 2.49 | 2.00 | 3.63 | 3.44 | 2.21 | 2.01 | 3.45 | 3.30 | 2.46 | 2.42 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in San Marcos, TX?
San Marcos has a cost index of 93 (100 = national average). It is 7% below the national average.
What is average rent in San Marcos, TX?
The median gross rent in San Marcos is $1,299 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in San Marcos?
The median home value in San Marcos is $269,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in San Marcos?
The median household income in San Marcos is $51,030 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in San Marcos, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in San Marcos is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is San Marcos, TX affordable?
San Marcos is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 93 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in San Marcos?
San Marcos has average high temperatures of 81.5°F and average lows of 57.7°F. Annual precipitation is 31.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
San Marcos at a Glance
- Population
- 68,920
- Median Income
- $51,030
- Home Value
- $269,700
- Median Rent
- $1,299/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 81.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
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