Uprootmap
San Luis Obispo vs San Diego
San Luis Obispo and San Diego
Photo: Boatguy619 / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in San Diego are under the US rate in this release, 2.9 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at San Luis Obispo to San Diego
In 2022-2023, 348 households filed a move from San Luis Obispo to San Diego (about 446 people, average adjusted gross income $65,172). 256 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $2,013 in San Luis Obispo and $2,292 in San Diego. San Luis Obispo has a state tax on wages. San Diego has a state tax on wages. Local pay in San Diego is 109% of the national level for the same work, against 88% in San Luis Obispo.
San Diego averages 266 sunny days, with July highs around 78°F and January nights around 50°F. San Luis Obispo is 263 sunny days, 101°F in July, 40°F in January. Commutes average 27 minutes in San Diego and 21 in San Luis Obispo.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 348 households moved San Luis Obispo → San Diego (about 446 people, average AGI $65,172). 256 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between San Luis Obispo and San Diego changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 320 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $2,050–$3,900
- Container or pod
- $1,400–$2,650
- Rent a truck
- $600–$1,100
Explore more
Dig into San Diego
Questions
Is San Diego cheaper than San Luis Obispo after tax and rent?
No. San Diego leaves about $501 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $2,013 in San Luis Obispo and $2,292 in San Diego.
Does San Diego have state income tax?
San Diego is in California, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from San Luis Obispo to San Diego?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.