on $100k a year, leaving Melbourne
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
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Best small cities to live in
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Best cities with mild winters
read the guidethe verdict
more each month than Melbourne ran you
A real premium for San Luis Obispo. Worth it only if the city itself is the whole point.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
63% more expensive than Melbourne(vs $1,895/mo)
9.3%
$775/mo more in state tax than Melbourne
vs 0% in Melbourne
$4,463/mo
$1,975 less than Melbourne
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
166% more expensive than Melbourne
vs $351k in Melbourne
282k
vs 644k in Melbourne
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Melbourne keeps to 254 pleasant days a year.
68/100
24% higher than Melbourne
vs 55/100 in Melbourne
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
17% higher than Melbourne
vs 84/100 in Melbourne
3
50% more than Melbourne
vs 2 nonstops in Melbourne
if san luis obispo appeals, also worth a look:
