$100k salary, packing up from Lansing
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
the monthly premium over Lansing
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
146% more expensive than Lansing(vs $1,259/mo)
9.3%
$421/mo more in state tax than Lansing
vs 4.25% in Lansing
$4,463/mo
$2,257 less than Lansing
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
284% more expensive than Lansing
vs $244k in Lansing
282k
vs 473k in Lansing
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Lansing only logs 153 pleasant days.
But the calendar thins out: Lansing stays 1.8× busier.
68/100
19% higher than Lansing
vs 57/100 in Lansing
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
23% higher than Lansing
vs 80/100 in Lansing
3
50% fewer than Lansing
vs 6 nonstops in Lansing
if san luis obispo appeals, also worth a look:
