on $100k a year, leaving Los Angeles
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
read the guideof 10
Best cities for live music and arts
read the guideof 10
Best small cities to live in
read the guideof 10
Best cities to escape the heat
read the guideof 10
Best cities for outdoor athletes
read the guideof 10
Best cities with year-round outdoor weather
read the guideof 10
Best cities for cyclists
read the guideof 10
Best cities to live in California
read the guideof 10
Best cities for foodies
read the guideof 10
Best cities for dog owners
read the guideof 10
Best cities with mild winters
read the guidethe verdict
pricier each month than Los Angeles
Almost a wash on cost. The case for San Luis Obispo is about what you'd do there, not what you'd save.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
7% more expensive than Los Angeles(vs $2,899/mo)
9.3%
vs 9.3% in Los Angeles
$4,463/mo
$196 less than Los Angeles
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
9% cheaper than Los Angeles
vs $1029k in Los Angeles
282k
vs 12.8M in Los Angeles
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Los Angeles barely cracks 283 pleasant ones.
Los Angeles hosts 34.8× more events.
68/100
1% higher than Los Angeles
vs 67/100 in Los Angeles
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
2% higher than Los Angeles
vs 96/100 in Los Angeles
3
98% fewer than Los Angeles
vs 150 nonstops in Los Angeles
cities that play in san luis obispo's register:
