on $100k a year, leaving Portland
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 to escape the heat
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Best cities for outdoor athletes
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Best cities with year-round outdoor weather
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Best cities for cyclists
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Best cities to live in California
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Best cities for foodies
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Best cities for dog owners
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Best cities with mild winters
read the guidethe verdict
pricier each month than Portland
San Luis Obispo doesn't pretend to be affordable. Move here for what San Luis Obispo is, not for what it leaves on your monthly ledger.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
35% more expensive than Portland(vs $2,285/mo)
9.3%
$150/mo more in state tax than Portland
vs 7.5% in Portland
$4,463/mo
$960 less than Portland
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
72% more expensive than Portland
vs $543k in Portland
282k
vs 566k in Portland
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Portland only logs 145 pleasant days.
Portland hosts 3.1× more events.
68/100
4% lower than Portland
vs 71/100 in Portland
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
0% lower than Portland
vs 98/100 in Portland
3
50% more than Portland
vs 2 nonstops in Portland
in the same ballpark as san luis obispo:
