$100k a year, no longer in Salinas
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
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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
the monthly cost of moving past Salinas
You'd pay for San Luis Obispo. The question is whether the days are worth the difference.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
10% more expensive than Salinas(vs $2,813/mo)
9.3%
vs 9.3% in Salinas
$4,463/mo
$282 less than Salinas
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
8% more expensive than Salinas
vs $862k in Salinas
282k
vs 431k in Salinas
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Salinas actually gets more: 335 pleasant days a year.
68/100
4% lower than Salinas
vs 71/100 in Salinas
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
24% higher than Salinas
vs 79/100 in Salinas
3
50% fewer than Salinas
vs 6 nonstops in Salinas
in the same ballpark as san luis obispo:
