$100k a year, no longer in Santa Maria
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
under Santa Maria, every month
San Luis Obispo is the easier version of your monthly budget. Lower rent, lighter monthly outlay.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
8% cheaper than Santa Maria(vs $3,352/mo)
9.3%
vs 9.3% in Santa Maria
$4,463/mo
$257 more than Santa Maria
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
12% cheaper than Santa Maria
vs $1059k in Santa Maria
282k
vs 441k in Santa Maria
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Santa Maria edges ahead with 337 pleasant days.
68/100
15% higher than Santa Maria
vs 59/100 in Santa Maria
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
13% higher than Santa Maria
vs 87/100 in Santa Maria
3
50% more than Santa Maria
vs 2 nonstops in Santa Maria
in the same ballpark as san luis obispo:
