on $100k a year, leaving Lakeland
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 with mild winters
read the guidethe verdict
pricier each month than Lakeland
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
69% more expensive than Lakeland(vs $1,834/mo)
9.3%
$775/mo more in state tax than Lakeland
vs 0% in Lakeland
$4,463/mo
$2,036 less than Lakeland
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
210% more expensive than Lakeland
vs $301k in Lakeland
282k
vs 818k in Lakeland
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Lakeland only logs 206 pleasant days.
Comparable to Lakeland for events and concerts.
68/100
42% higher than Lakeland
vs 48/100 in Lakeland
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
48% higher than Lakeland
vs 66/100 in Lakeland
3
96% fewer than Lakeland
vs 68 nonstops in Lakeland
neighbors of san luis obispo on the map of tradeoffs:
