San Marcos, TX

Average · 90

Texas · Population 68,920 · Updated March 2026

$1,299
Median Rent / Month
$51,030
Median Income
$269,700
Median Home Value
$1,307
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in San Marcos

30.5%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Texas

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.25%
Sales Tax
1.6%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$15,588
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$4,315
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

San Marcos offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 90 (where 100 equals the national median), San Marcos residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,299/month while earning a median household income of $51,030/year.

The median home value in San Marcos, TX is $269,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,307 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 30.5% rent-to-income ratio, residents of San Marcos are spending more than the recommended 30% of income on housing, indicating moderate cost burden.

Texas has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 1.6% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in San Marcos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in San Marcos

What is the cost of living in San Marcos, TX?
The cost of living index in San Marcos, TX is 90 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,299, median household income is $51,030/year, and the median home value is $269,700.
Is San Marcos, TX affordable?
Yes, San Marcos is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 90. The rent-to-income ratio is 30.5%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in San Marcos, TX?
The median gross rent in San Marcos, TX is $1,299 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $15,588.
What is the median household income in San Marcos?
The median household income in San Marcos, TX is $51,030 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Texas?
Texas has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 6.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.6%. Notably, there is no state income tax.