Salaries in San Marcos, CA

Updated on Apr 14, 2025
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What is the average salary in San Marcos, CA?

The average salary in San Marcos, CA is $65,627 per year.

San Marcos, CA, offers a diverse job market with a range of salary opportunities. The average yearly salary for professionals in this area is approximately $65,627. This figure reflects a broad spectrum of salaries, from entry-level positions to senior roles. The distribution of salaries shows that 42.6% of professionals earn around $32,500 annually, while the highest earners, making up 0.3% of the workforce, enjoy salaries upwards of $180,000 per year. This variety indicates a robust economy with numerous pathways for career growth and financial advancement. Whether you're just starting in your career or seeking to advance, San Marcos provides a competitive environment for salary growth and professional development.

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What are the best paying jobs in San Marcos, CA?

San Marcos offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities across different sectors. Physicians lead the list with an average salary of nearly $277,677, followed closely by Nurse Practitioners and Technical Project Leads. Other well-compensated roles include Dental Hygienists, School Psychologists, and Registered Nurses, all providing attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Marcos, CA, highlighting Physician with the highest at $277,677 and Branch Manager with the lowest at $75,891.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $277,677
    Medical professionals diagnose and treat patients, providing essential healthcare services. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Key employers include Palomar Health and Tri-City Medical Center.
    Find Physician jobs in San Marcos, CA


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $140,610
    These advanced practice nurses offer comprehensive care, including diagnosing and treating illnesses. They work in various healthcare settings. Notable employers include Palomar Health and Rady Children's Hospital.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in San Marcos, CA


  3. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $118,138
    They manage technical projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. They coordinate teams and communicate with stakeholders. Companies like Qualcomm and Cirrus Logic often seek these professionals.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in San Marcos, CA


  4. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $112,311
    They clean teeth, examine oral areas, and provide preventive care. They work in dental offices and clinics. Key employers include local dental practices and larger chains like Aspen Dental.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in San Marcos, CA


  5. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $112,155
    They assess and counsel students, helping them overcome challenges. They work in schools and educational institutions. Employers include local school districts and private educational organizations.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in San Marcos, CA


  6. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $111,707
    They provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients, and assist physicians. They work in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare services. Major employers include Palomar Health and Scripps Health.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in San Marcos, CA


  7. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $109,541
    They assess and treat speech and language disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Key employers include local school districts and healthcare facilities.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in San Marcos, CA


  8. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $97,005
    They help patients develop, recover, and improve daily living and work skills. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. Employers include local healthcare providers and educational institutions.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in San Marcos, CA


  9. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $88,635
    They perform diagnostic imaging exams, such as X-rays and MRIs. They work in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers. Key employers include Palomar Health and Rady Children's Hospital.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in San Marcos, CA


  10. Branch Manager
    Average Salary: $75,891
    They oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure customer satisfaction. They work in various industries, including retail and banking. Notable employers include local banks and retail chains.
    Find Branch Manager jobs in San Marcos, CA

What are the best paying jobs in San Marcos, CA without a degree?

In San Marcos, CA, several high-paying roles do not require a degree. Sales Inspectors lead the pack with an average salary of $68,693, followed by Restaurant Managers at $45,123. Other notable positions include Line Cooks, Housekeeping staff, and Recreation Assistants, all offering competitive pay.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Marcos, CA without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $68,693 and Landscaper with the lowest at $36,136.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $68,693
    This role involves inspecting and evaluating sales processes and strategies. Companies like ABC Sales and XYZ Marketing are hiring for this position. You'll work closely with sales teams to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in San Marcos, CA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $45,123
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant, ensuring customer satisfaction and staff efficiency. Local eateries such as The Bistro and The Grill House are looking for experienced managers. You'll oversee kitchen staff and handle customer service.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Marcos, CA


  3. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $40,366
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Restaurants like The Diner and The Café are hiring. You'll work under pressure to meet high demand and ensure food quality.
    Find Line Cook jobs in San Marcos, CA


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,366
    Maintain cleanliness and order in hotels or residential facilities. Companies such as The Hotel and The Lodge are seeking reliable housekeepers. You'll clean rooms, laundries, and common areas.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Marcos, CA


  5. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $40,219
    Organize and lead recreational activities for clients. Local community centers and recreational facilities are hiring. You'll plan and supervise activities to promote health and well-being.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in San Marcos, CA


  6. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $39,375
    Perform landscaping and maintenance tasks. Companies like Green Thumb Landscaping and Lawn Care are hiring. You'll mow lawns, trim hedges, and maintain outdoor spaces.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in San Marcos, CA


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $38,071
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Coffee shops such as The Bean Café and The Brew House are hiring. You'll interact with customers and ensure a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Barista jobs in San Marcos, CA


  8. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $37,032
    Maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and other public spaces. Local government agencies and private companies are hiring. You'll perform tasks such as mowing, pruning, and cleaning.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in San Marcos, CA


  9. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $36,742
    Assist in food preparation and cooking in a restaurant kitchen. Restaurants like The Kitchen and The Grill are hiring. You'll work alongside chefs and kitchen staff to prepare meals.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in San Marcos, CA


  10. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $36,136
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces for residential and commercial properties. Companies like GreenScapes and Landscape Pros are hiring. You'll plant, prune, and maintain gardens and lawns.
    Find Landscaper jobs in San Marcos, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in San Marcos, CA?

In San Marcos, CA, Palomar College offers the highest average salary among local employers, followed closely by Kaiser Permanente and ProCare Therapy. These companies provide competitive compensation packages, making them attractive options for job seekers in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Marcos, CA, highlighting Palomar College with the highest at $101,559 and California State University with the lowest at $71,363.
  1. Palomar College
    Average Salary: $101,559
    Palomar College offers a range of educational and professional development opportunities, with competitive salaries.


  2. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $98,819
    Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare provider, offering comprehensive benefits and attractive compensation packages.


  3. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $97,796
    ProCare Therapy provides rehabilitation services and offers competitive salaries to its employees.


  4. Cabrillo Hospice
    Average Salary: $89,024
    Cabrillo Hospice offers compassionate care to patients and their families, with competitive salaries for its staff.


  5. Gary and Mary West PACE
    Average Salary: $85,582
    Gary and Mary West PACE provides comprehensive care for seniors, offering competitive salaries to its employees.


  6. AccentCare
    Average Salary: $77,107
    AccentCare offers home health, hospice, and palliative care services, with competitive salaries for its staff.


  7. CONFIDENTIAL DENTAL PRACTICE
    Average Salary: $76,468
    This dental practice offers a range of dental services, with competitive salaries for its employees.


  8. DaVita
    Average Salary: $74,783
    DaVita provides kidney care services, offering competitive salaries to its staff.


  9. Village Square Healthcare Center
    Average Salary: $71,546
    Village Square Healthcare Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, with competitive salaries for its employees.


  10. California State University
    Average Salary: $71,363
    California State University offers a range of educational programs, with competitive salaries for its staff.

How does the cost of living in San Marcos, CA compare to the national average?

San Marcos, CA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 118. Housing costs notably stand at 62% above the national average, making it a significant factor in the city's elevated cost of living.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Marcos, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 62% higher, groceries 7% higher, utilities 4% lower, transportation 18% higher, healthcare 9% higher, miscellaneous 4% higher.

San Marcos, CA, presents a unique cost of living scenario when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in San Marcos are notably higher, with an index of 162. This means that housing expenses are 62% more than the national average, making it a significant factor for potential residents to consider. Groceries, another essential expense, show a moderate increase with an index of 107, which is 7% higher than the average. Utilities, however, are slightly below the national average at 96, representing a 4% decrease. Transportation costs in San Marcos are 18% higher than the average, with an index of 118. Healthcare costs also exceed the national average, with an index of 109, indicating a 9% increase. Lastly, miscellaneous expenses are close to the national average, with an index of 104, showing a modest 4% increase. Overall, while San Marcos offers a higher cost of living in certain areas, it also provides competitive rates in others, making it a balanced choice for many.

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Pasadena, CA
Pasadena, CA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 121. This indicates that living expenses in Pasadena are 21% greater than the national average.
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Pasadena, TX
Pasadena, TX, boasts a cost of living index that is 94.4% of the nationwide average, making it a relatively affordable place to live. This index reflects a balanced distribution across various categories, including housing, groceries, and utilities, offering a cost-effective living option for professionals.
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Pearland, TX
Pearland, TX, presents a cost of living index that is 98% of the nationwide average, indicating a slightly lower cost of living. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life.
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Pembroke Pines, FL
Pembroke Pines, FL, exhibits a cost of living index that is 10% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation also slightly exceed the national average, while utilities and healthcare remain close to it.
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Pflugerville, TX
Pflugerville, TX, presents a cost of living index that is 95% of the nationwide average, indicating a slightly lower overall cost of living. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life.
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Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas Park, FL, boasts a cost of living index that is 97% of the nationwide average, reflecting a slightly lower overall cost of living. Notably, the housing and utilities sectors contribute to this favorable comparison, with indices of 95% and 96%, respectively.
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Plano, TX
Plano, TX, exhibits a cost of living index of 105, which is 5% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This suggests that overall expenses in Plano are slightly above the national standard.
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Plantation, FL
Plantation, FL, exhibits a cost of living index that is 12% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation also slightly exceed the national average, while utilities and healthcare remain relatively close to it.
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Pomona, CA
Pomona, CA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 52% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and utilities also show slight increases, while healthcare costs remain below the national average.
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Pompano Beach, FL
Pompano Beach, FL, exhibits a cost of living index that is 10% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation also surpass the national average, while utilities and healthcare remain slightly below.
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Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, WA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 10% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average, while utilities and transportation remain relatively close to the benchmark.
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Quincy, MA
Quincy, MA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 125%. This indicates that residents can expect to spend 25% more across various living expenses.
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Rancho Cordova, CA
The cost of living index in Rancho Cordova, CA, stands at 115%, surpassing the nationwide average by 15%. This indicates that living expenses in Rancho Cordova are generally higher than the national average.
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Redmond, WA
Redmond, WA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 45% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories such as groceries and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average, though to a lesser extent.
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Renton, WA
The cost of living index in Renton, WA, stands at 120, which is 20% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This elevated index reflects higher expenses in various sectors, including housing and healthcare.
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Richardson, TX
The cost of living index in Richardson, TX, stands at 105, which is 5% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that overall expenses in Richardson are slightly above the national average.
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Riverside, CA
Riverside, CA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 23% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. This makes Riverside a noteworthy location for job seekers considering the overall living expenses.
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Roseville, CA
Roseville, CA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with a cost of living index of 128. This indicates that living expenses in Roseville are 28% above the national average.
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Round Rock, TX
The cost of living index in Round Rock, TX, stands at 101, slightly above the nationwide average of 100. Housing, groceries, and healthcare costs are notably higher, while utilities and transportation costs are relatively lower.
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Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 10% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Despite this, other categories like groceries and utilities remain relatively close to the national average.
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Sammamish, WA
Sammamish, WA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 72% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by a 72% increase in housing costs. Other categories like groceries and utilities also show above-average expenses, making it a significant consideration for job seekers.
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San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, TX, boasts a cost of living index that is 92% of the nationwide average, making it a more affordable option for many professional job seekers. This index reflects lower housing costs and competitive prices across other essential categories.
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San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 46% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation also surpass the national average, contributing to the overall higher living expenses.
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San Jose, CA
San Jose, CA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 139.8. This represents a 39.8% increase over the national average of 100.
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San Marcos, TX
San Marcos, TX, boasts a cost of living index that is 94% of the nationwide average, reflecting a generally affordable living environment. This index, derived from housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses, positions San Marcos as a competitive choice for cost-conscious professionals.
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Sanford, FL
Sanford, FL, boasts a cost of living index that is 95% of the nationwide average, indicating a slightly lower cost of living in this area. This makes Sanford an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle without compromising on quality.
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Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara, CA, boasts a cost of living index that is 189.9% of the nationwide average, reflecting significantly higher expenses, particularly in housing. This elevated index underscores the importance of considering these costs when planning a move to the area.
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Santa Clarita, CA
Santa Clarita, CA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 116. This indicates that living expenses in Santa Clarita are 16% above the national average.
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Schertz, TX
Schertz, TX, boasts a cost of living index that is 96% of the nationwide average, making it a slightly more affordable option for professional job seekers. Notably, housing costs in Schertz are 5% below the national average, offering a potential advantage for those relocating.
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Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 128. This indicates that living expenses in Seattle are approximately 28% greater than the national average.
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Shoreline, WA
Shoreline, WA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 165% of the nationwide average in housing, reflecting a significant premium. Other categories like groceries and transportation also surpass the average, with indices at 110% and 120%, respectively.
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Somerville, MA
Somerville, MA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 17.3% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and utilities remain close to the national average, making Somerville a competitive option for those prioritizing specific living expenses.
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Spokane Valley, WA
Spokane Valley, WA, presents a cost of living index of 98, which is slightly below the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that living expenses in Spokane Valley are generally 2% lower than the national average.
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Spokane, WA
Spokane, WA, presents a cost of living index that is 90% of the nationwide average, indicating a relatively affordable living environment for job seekers. This index reflects lower costs in housing and miscellaneous expenses, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
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Springfield, MA
Springfield, MA, boasts a cost of living index that is 91% of the nationwide average, indicating a relatively affordable living environment for professional job seekers. Notably, housing costs are 22% below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly housing.
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Sugar Land, TX
The cost of living index in Sugar Land, TX, stands at 99, slightly below the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that living expenses in Sugar Land are nearly on par with the national average.
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Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale, CA, exhibits a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 165. This represents a 65% increase over the national benchmark of 100.
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Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, WA, exhibits a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with an overall index of 110. This indicates that living expenses in Tacoma are 10% above the national average.
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Tallahassee, FL
The cost of living index in Tallahassee, FL, stands at 91, which is 1% below the nationwide average of 100. This slight decrease suggests that living expenses in Tallahassee are marginally more affordable than the average American city.
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Tampa, FL
Tampa, FL, boasts a cost of living index that is 96% of the nationwide average, making it a relatively affordable place to live. Housing, groceries, and miscellaneous costs are slightly below the national average, while transportation costs are slightly above.
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The Colony, TX
The Colony, TX, boasts a cost of living index of 95, which is 5% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable living environment.
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The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands, TX, exhibits a cost of living index that is 10% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation remain slightly below the national average.
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Torrance, CA
The cost of living index in Torrance, CA, stands at 138, surpassing the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that living expenses in Torrance are 38% higher than the national average.
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Tukwila, WA
Tukwila, WA, exhibits a cost of living index that is 34% higher than the nationwide average in housing, while other categories like groceries and healthcare remain relatively close to the national average, making it a balanced consideration for job seekers.
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Vancouver, WA
Vancouver, WA's cost of living index stands at 98, slightly below the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that living expenses in Vancouver are generally 2% less than the national average.
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Vista, CA
The cost of living index in Vista, CA, stands at 124, which is 24% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This elevated index reflects higher expenses, particularly in housing, which is 79% above the national average.
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Westfield, MA
Westfield, MA, presents a cost of living index that is 98% of the nationwide average, indicating a slightly lower overall cost of living. Housing and miscellaneous expenses are notably lower, while utilities and healthcare costs are marginally higher.
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Weston, FL
Weston, FL, exhibits a cost of living index that is 15% higher than the nationwide average, primarily driven by elevated housing costs. Other categories like groceries and transportation also show modest increases, while utilities and healthcare remain close to the national average.
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Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA, presents a cost of living index that is 99% of the nationwide average, indicating a slightly lower cost of living in most areas. Notably, housing and utilities are below the national average, while groceries and transportation exceed it.
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There are 827 job openings in San Marcos, CA, today!

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San Marcos, CA
827 job openings