Kyle vs San Marcos: which is better to live in?
Kyle gets C+ overall and San Marcos gets D-. Kyle comes out ahead on our index.
Kyle wins on cost of living, jobs and income, safety, health, home ownership and internet access. San Marcos wins on schools, errands and things to do, getting around and education levels.
Kyle suits families, retirees, remote workers and people on a budget better, while San Marcos suits young professionals better.
Side by side
| Kyle | San Marcos | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | C+ | D- |
| Population | 69,917 | 77,830 |
| Growth since 2020 | +53.0% | +14.9% |
| Median rent | $1,752 | $1,322 |
| Median home value | $334,600 | $310,400 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,346 | $2,097 |
| Median household income | $90,323 | $51,281 |
| Property tax per year | $6,170 | $4,774 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 135 | 422 |
| Property crime per 100k | 803 | 1,940 |
| Schools rated A or B | 25% | 50% |
| Average commute | 36 min | 24 min |
| Work from home | 13% | 11% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 31% | 38% |
| Median age | 34.1 years | 25.5 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 117 | 117 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | High | High |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Kyle | San Marcos | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | C (43) | D+ (27) |
| Jobs and income | A- (81) | D- (15) |
| Schools | D+ (31) | C (46) |
| Safety | B+ (80) | D (23) |
| Errands and things to do | F (5) | B (65) |
| Getting around | F (0) | B+ (78) |
| Education levels | C (46) | C+ (53) |
| Health | C- (33) | D- (10) |
| Home ownership | A (90) | D- (9) |
| Internet access | A (94) | F (4) |
Cost of living
San Marcos is the cheaper of the two.
Rent is higher in Kyle: a median of $1,752 a month, 33% higher than San Marcos's $1,322.
The median home is worth $334,600 in Kyle and $310,400 in San Marcos. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,346 a month against $2,097, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.7 times income in Kyle and 6.1 times in San Marcos.
Commute and location
Commutes average 36 minutes in Kyle and 24 in San Marcos.
The two are about 10 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Kyle has less violent crime. Kyle reported 135 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and San Marcos reported 422 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 25% of Kyle's 12 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 50% of San Marcos's 12.
Common questions
Is Kyle or San Marcos better to live in?
Kyle grades higher overall (C+ vs D-). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Kyle cheaper than San Marcos?
No. San Marcos has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, Kyle or San Marcos?
Kyle, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.