California / County

Moving to San Luis Obispo, CA

Thinking of making a move to San Luis Obispo, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Luis Obispo, CA

Considering a move to San Luis Obispo, CA? This welcoming community of 47,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $930,000 and average rents near $2,350. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (73% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore San Luis Obispo's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - San Luis Obispo, CA

San Luis Obispo has a population of 47,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 26 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 72% White, 2% Black, and 8% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
47,500
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
25.7
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
13.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
72.0%
Black
2.2%
Asian
7.8%
Others
18.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in San Luis Obispo, CA?

The cost of living in San Luis Obispo is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 162.0. Median home values are around $930,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$930,000
Gross Rent
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$4,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
162.0
Grocery
112.5
Housing
242.0
Utilities
118.0
Transportation
129.0
Health Care
110.2
Miscellaneous
118.4

Crime

Is San Luis Obispo, CA a safe place to live?

San Luis Obispo is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 58. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,720
Crime Index
1,930
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 58

Weather

What is the weather like in San Luis Obispo, CA year-round?

San Luis Obispo experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 79°F and cold winters dipping to 39°F. The area receives about 21 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 73% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
39°F
Max
62°F

Summer

Min
55°F
Max
79°F

Spring

Min
47°F
Max
70°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches
20.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
73%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $82,000 and a low poverty rate of 14.0%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 43% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 10% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$82,000
Family Income
$96,500
Per Capita Income
$38,000
Income Male
$55,000
Income Female
$47,000
Poverty Rate
14.0%
Non English Speakers
24.0%
Rent
$2,350
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Public Transport Usage
9.5%
Commute Time
18.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.0%
Bachelors or More
42.5%

Education

How are the schools in San Luis Obispo, CA?

San Luis Obispo offers quality education options, with public schools like C.L. Smith Elementary School and Laguna Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and Cuesta College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
C.L. Smith Elementary School
Street
1375 Balboa St
Phone
805-788-3200
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
19.0
Name
Laguna Middle School
Street
11050 Los Osos Valley Rd
Phone
805-596-4040
Students
760
Student Teacher Ratio
18.1

Private Schools

Name
Old Mission School
Street
1018 Palm St
Phone
805-541-2225
Students
210

Colleges

Name
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
City
San Luis Obispo
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
22,000
Name
Cuesta College
City
San Luis Obispo
State
CA
Distance
4 miles
Students
8,000

Healthcare

San Luis Obispo residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Dignity Health - French Hospital Medical Center and Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 92.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Dignity Health - French Hospital Medical Center
Address
1911 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone
(805) 543-5353
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center
Address
1010 Murray Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone
(805) 546-7780
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
92.5%
Health Care Index
77.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in San Luis Obispo, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $930,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 48%. The market has seen a 4.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.0%. San Luis Obispo offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$930,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate
47.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.8%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of San Luis Obispo handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to San Luis Obispo, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to San Luis Obispo, review the core fields on this page: population 47,500, median home value $930,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,350, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 73%.

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