on $100k a year, leaving New York
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
lighter monthly cost than New York
San Luis Obispo gives you room New York doesn't. Same gross salary, lower monthly cost of living.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
7% cheaper than New York(vs $3,329/mo)
9.3%
$119/mo less in state tax than New York
vs 10.73% in New York
$4,463/mo
$353 more than New York
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
26% more expensive than New York
vs $739k in New York
282k
vs 19.5M in New York
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
New York keeps to 171 pleasant days a year.
100% fewer events than New York. The pace eases up.
68/100
13% lower than New York
vs 78/100 in New York
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
2% lower than New York
vs 100/100 in New York
3
99% fewer than New York
vs 215 nonstops in New York
if san luis obispo appeals, also worth a look:
