Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$51,281$4,273 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in San Marcos, TX
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: San Marcos, TX
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,474 | $17,688 | $58,960 | 34.5% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,562 | $18,744 | $62,480 | 36.6% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,852 | $22,224 | $74,080 | 43.3% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,347 | $28,164 | $93,880 | 54.9% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,760 | $33,120 | $110,400 | 64.6% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in San Marcos, TX
Based on the local median household income of $51,281/year ($4,273/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Texas
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Texas state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Texas with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in San Marcos, TX
What is the median household income in San Marcos, TX?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in San Marcos, TX is $51,281 per year (approximately $4,273 per month).
What is the average rent in San Marcos, TX?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in San Marcos, TX are $1,474 for a studio, $1,562 for 1 bedroom, $1,852 for 2 bedrooms, $2,347 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,760 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in San Marcos, TX compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in San Marcos, TX is 98.1 (1.9% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in San Marcos, TX?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,852/month) in San Marcos, TX requires a minimum gross household income of $74,080 per year ($6,173 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in San Marcos, TX?
For a typical household earning the median income of $51,281/year ($4,273/month) in San Marcos, TX, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,137/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,282/month to discretionary spending, and $855/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in San Marcos, TX?
Residential electricity rates in Texas average 15.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $143 per month.