Cost of living in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, located in California, is known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving here or planning a visit.
The cost of living encompasses various aspects such as housing, transportation, groceries, and dining, which are essential for budgeting and financial planning.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $15 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $52 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $16.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $10, imported beer $5 to $9, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $6.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.1.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $10.2, with an average price of $4.4.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $3.49, averaging $2.83.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.65 to $22.05 per kg, while oranges range from $3.28 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.84 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $3.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2, with a monthly pass priced between $40 and $60.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.21 and $1.62 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.5, with a cost of $3.42 per km and $50 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1900 to $2750, averaging $2287.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1400 to $2500, averaging $1725.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3950 to $5700, averaging $4587.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3500 to $4000, averaging $3833.33.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $6211 to $10225.71, averaging $8862.36.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $6211 to $8072.93, averaging $7351.83.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $600, averaging $268.75.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $120, with an average cost of $65.4.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
San Luis Obispo offers a diverse range of living costs, with housing being one of the more significant expenses, especially in the city centre.
Dining out can be relatively affordable, with a variety of options from casual to upscale dining.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being reasonable.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like fresh produce and dairy being more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, San Luis Obispo presents a mixed cost of living scenario. While housing and some grocery items can be pricey, dining and transportation offer more budget-friendly options.
Prospective residents should consider these factors when planning their move, balancing the higher costs of housing with potential savings in other areas.