Counties › California

Cost of Living in San Luis Obispo County, CA

Population 281,555 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,992
Median home value$824,700
Median household income$97,446

The median rent in San Luis Obispo County, CA is $1,992/month, 2% lower than the California median and 41% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $824,700, 148% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $97,446 a year, about the same as the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 24.5%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $79,680/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 8.5×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $4,170/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

San Luis Obispo County vs. California vs. U.S.

San Luis Obispo CountyCaliforniaU.S.
Median rent$1,992$2,036$1,413
Median home value$824,700$734,700$332,700
Median household income$97,446$99,122$80,734
Homeownership rate62.1%55.9%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher39.8%37.1%35.7%
Poverty rate12.9%12.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate5.5%6.6%5.2%
Work from home15.2%17.2%15.1%
Median age40.437.938.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in San Luis Obispo County, CA?

The median gross rent in San Luis Obispo County, CA is $1,992 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in San Luis Obispo County, CA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $79,680 a year in gross income.

Is San Luis Obispo County, CA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 41% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 8.5 times the median household income.

Other counties in California

Los Angeles County, CARent $1,954 · Income $90,112San Diego County, CARent $2,246 · Income $106,268Orange County, CARent $2,434 · Income $116,289Riverside County, CARent $1,901 · Income $93,074San Bernardino County, CARent $1,801 · Income $85,478Santa Clara County, CARent $2,857 · Income $164,281

Counties with a similar cost of living

Maui County, HIRent $1,916 · Income $97,161Pitkin County, CORent $2,004 · Income $102,645Kauai County, HIRent $1,870 · Income $97,668Boulder County, CORent $1,966 · Income $103,994Eagle County, CORent $2,019 · Income $104,096Suffolk County, MARent $2,129 · Income $95,631

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

Explore more

Wix Alternatives for Small Businesses & Freelancers (2026)Best Web Hosting for First-Time Site Owners (2026)Mortgage Payment CalculatorDiscount CalculatorPlay: Tide Pool PopPlay: Orbit Dodge
Get the best finds weekly

New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.