San Luis Obispo, CA, US
Central Coast college town with Cal Poly, farmers markets, and a relaxed lifestyle.
Very High vs US Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
San Luis Obispo vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8.0%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $72,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 48,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 285/year
- Summer High: 80°F
- Winter Low: 42°F
Housing
- Median Home: $900,000
- 1BR Rent: $2000/mo
Cost of Living
San Luis Obispo's cost of living index is 155 (US average = 100).
| Category | San Luis Obispo | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 155 | 100 | +55.0% |
| Housing | 190 | 100 | +90.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $900,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $600 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in San Luis Obispo:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $110 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $3 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $4 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $257 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown San Luis Obispo
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $2,400/mo.
San Luis Obispo Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $2,200/mo.
East San Luis Obispo
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,800/mo.
West San Luis Obispo
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,900/mo.
Remote Work Score
San Luis Obispo scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
San Luis Obispo has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62°F | 42°F | 2.5" |
| April | 65°F | 57°F | 2.8" |
| July | 80°F | 55°F | 1.5" |
| October | 60°F | 60°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.7% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in San Luis Obispo, CA, US?
The cost of living index in San Luis Obispo is 155, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in San Luis Obispo?
The median home price in San Luis Obispo is $900,000. The housing index is 190.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Luis Obispo is approximately $2000/mo.
Does San Luis Obispo, CA have income tax?
San Luis Obispo is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 8%.
What is the climate like in San Luis Obispo?
San Luis Obispo enjoys approximately 285 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 42°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.