$100k a year, no longer in Sarasota
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
the monthly cost of moving past Sarasota
San Luis Obispo is the expensive option. The argument has to be entirely about the place, not the price.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
46% more expensive than Sarasota(vs $2,121/mo)
9.3%
$775/mo more in state tax than Sarasota
vs 0% in Sarasota
$4,463/mo
$1,749 less than Sarasota
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
121% more expensive than Sarasota
vs $423k in Sarasota
282k
vs 262k in Sarasota
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Sarasota only logs 249 pleasant days.
A real upgrade on things to do: 3.3× Sarasota's pace.
68/100
15% higher than Sarasota
vs 59/100 in Sarasota
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
2% higher than Sarasota
vs 96/100 in Sarasota
3
50% fewer than Sarasota
vs 6 nonstops in Sarasota
if san luis obispo appeals, also worth a look:
