San Marcos, CA

Very High · 192

California · Population 94,078 · Updated March 2026

$2,191
Median Rent / Month
$105,286
Median Income
$792,400
Median Home Value
$2,400
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in San Marcos

25.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$26,292
Annual Rent
$14,003
State Income Tax
$5,626
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

San Marcos has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 192 (where 100 equals the national median), San Marcos residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,191/month while earning a median household income of $105,286/year.

The median home value in San Marcos, CA is $792,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,400 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%, San Marcos falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in San Marcos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in San Marcos

What is the cost of living in San Marcos, CA?
The cost of living index in San Marcos, CA is 192 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,191, median household income is $105,286/year, and the median home value is $792,400.
Is San Marcos, CA affordable?
No, San Marcos is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 192. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in San Marcos, CA?
The median gross rent in San Marcos, CA is $2,191 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $26,292.
What is the median household income in San Marcos?
The median household income in San Marcos, CA is $105,286 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.