San Luis Obispo, CA

Very High · 187

California · Population 48,039 · Updated March 2026

$1,906
Median Rent / Month
$66,711
Median Income
$896,500
Median Home Value
$1,933
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in San Luis Obispo

34.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$22,872
Annual Rent
$8,873
State Income Tax
$6,365
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

San Luis Obispo has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 187 (where 100 equals the national median), San Luis Obispo residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,906/month while earning a median household income of $66,711/year.

The median home value in San Luis Obispo, CA is $896,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,933 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 34.3% rent-to-income ratio, residents of San Luis Obispo are spending more than the recommended 30% of income on housing, indicating moderate cost burden.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in San Luis Obispo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in San Luis Obispo

What is the cost of living in San Luis Obispo, CA?
The cost of living index in San Luis Obispo, CA is 187 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,906, median household income is $66,711/year, and the median home value is $896,500.
Is San Luis Obispo, CA affordable?
No, San Luis Obispo is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 187. The rent-to-income ratio is 34.3%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in San Luis Obispo, CA?
The median gross rent in San Luis Obispo, CA is $1,906 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $22,872.
What is the median household income in San Luis Obispo?
The median household income in San Luis Obispo, CA is $66,711 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.