same $100k income, fresh start from Wichita
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
more expensive each month than Wichita
A real premium for San Luis Obispo. Worth it only if the city itself is the whole point.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
164% more expensive than Wichita(vs $1,173/mo)
9.3%
$300/mo more in state tax than Wichita
vs 5.7% in Wichita
$4,463/mo
$2,222 less than Wichita
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
322% more expensive than Wichita
vs $221k in Wichita
282k
vs 653k in Wichita
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Wichita only manages 164 of those.
44% fewer events than Wichita. The pace eases up.
68/100
31% higher than Wichita
vs 52/100 in Wichita
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
42% higher than Wichita
vs 69/100 in Wichita
3
73% fewer than Wichita
vs 11 nonstops in Wichita
cities that play in san luis obispo's register:
