Cost of Living in San Luis Obispo, CA
Population: 48,039 • 2026 Data
$66,711
Median Household Income
-14% vs national
$1,906
Median Monthly Rent
+41% vs national
$896,500
Median Home Value
+164% vs national
6.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in San Luis Obispo
The median home value in San Luis Obispo, CA is $896,500. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,906, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,933.
Rent-to-income ratio: 34.3%. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, indicating housing costs may be a burden for median-income households.
Income and Employment
The median household income in San Luis Obispo, CA is $66,711. The unemployment rate stands at 6.6%, with a labor force of 27,661 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.