same $100k income, fresh start from Augusta
changea dispatch from
san luis obispo
CA
35.28°N
120.66°W
San Luis Obispo (SLO to locals) sits halfway between LA and San Francisco on the central coast, with Cal Poly students, gorgeous wine country (Edna Valley and Paso Robles nearby), and a Thursday night farmers market that takes over downtown. It's been called the happiest city in America (multiple studies, Oprah included), and the vibe really does back that up. Bubblegum Alley is exactly what it sounds like. Mellow and beautiful.
in our guides
of 10
Most walkable cities in America
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Best cities for live music and arts
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Best small cities to live in
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read the guidethe verdict
pricier each month than Augusta
San Luis Obispo is the expensive option. The argument has to be entirely about the place, not the price.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
114% more expensive than Augusta(vs $1,443/mo)
9.3%
$318/mo more in state tax than Augusta
vs 5.49% in Augusta
$4,463/mo
$1,970 less than Augusta
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
278% more expensive than Augusta
vs $247k in Augusta
282k
vs 628k in Augusta
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Augusta only logs 191 pleasant days.
A real upgrade on things to do: 3.3× Augusta's pace.
68/100
48% higher than Augusta
vs 46/100 in Augusta
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
32% higher than Augusta
vs 74/100 in Augusta
3
0% fewer than Augusta
vs 3 nonstops in Augusta
if san luis obispo appeals, also worth a look:
