on $100k a year, leaving Chicago
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
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read the guidethe verdict
pricier each month than Chicago
A real premium for San Luis Obispo. Worth it only if the city itself is the whole point.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
43% more expensive than Chicago(vs $2,170/mo)
9.3%
$363/mo more in state tax than Chicago
vs 4.95% in Chicago
$4,463/mo
$1,288 less than Chicago
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
156% more expensive than Chicago
vs $365k in Chicago
282k
vs 9.3M in Chicago
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Chicago only manages 153 of those.
Lighter on events: Chicago packs 129.5× more into a month.
68/100
3% lower than Chicago
vs 70/100 in Chicago
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
2% lower than Chicago
vs 100/100 in Chicago
3
99% fewer than Chicago
vs 217 nonstops in Chicago
cities that play in san luis obispo's register:
