Cost of Living in San Luis Obispo, CA
Population 48,039 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
$897,000 is the going rate for a typical San Luis Obispo home, 194% over the national median. Rents of $1,906/month track the same premium. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, San Luis Obispo is about 25 miles northwest of Santa Maria, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 87% higher than Santa Maria's $478,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in San Luis Obispo
The median home value in San Luis Obispo is $896,500 — 194% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,906/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,711/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 71.9°F and lows of 47.4°F. Overall, San Luis Obispo has a cost of living index of 234 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 134% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 65 | 65 | 67 | 69 | 72 | 75 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 77 | 71 | 65 |
| Low °F | 41 | 42 | 45 | 46 | 48 | 51 | 54 | 55 | 53 | 50 | 45 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.86 | 3.54 | 3.17 | 1.05 | 0.47 | 0.10 | 0.08 | 0.01 | 0.04 | 0.92 | 1.43 | 3.27 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in San Luis Obispo, CA?
San Luis Obispo has a cost index of 234 (100 = national average). It is 134% above the national average.
What is average rent in San Luis Obispo, CA?
The median gross rent in San Luis Obispo is $1,906 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in San Luis Obispo?
The median home value in San Luis Obispo is $896,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in San Luis Obispo?
The median household income in San Luis Obispo is $66,711 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in San Luis Obispo, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in San Luis Obispo is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is San Luis Obispo, CA affordable?
San Luis Obispo is above average in cost of living, with an index of 234 — about 134% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in San Luis Obispo?
San Luis Obispo has average high temperatures of 71.9°F and average lows of 47.4°F. Annual precipitation is 17.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
San Luis Obispo at a Glance
- Population
- 48,039
- Median Income
- $66,711
- Home Value
- $896,500
- Median Rent
- $1,906/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs