same $100k income, fresh start from Reading
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 Reading
A real premium for San Luis Obispo. Worth it only if the city itself is the whole point.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
109% more expensive than Reading(vs $1,478/mo)
9.3%
$519/mo more in state tax than Reading
vs 3.07% in Reading
$4,463/mo
$2,137 less than Reading
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
201% more expensive than Reading
vs $311k in Reading
282k
vs 433k in Reading
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Reading only manages 157 of those.
Noticeably quieter than Reading. About 66% fewer events on a typical month.
68/100
5% higher than Reading
vs 65/100 in Reading
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
15% higher than Reading
vs 85/100 in Reading
3
0% fewer than Reading
vs 0 nonstops in Reading
if san luis obispo appeals, also worth a look:
