Uprootmap
San Luis Obispo vs San Jose
San Luis Obispo and San Jose
Photo: Michael / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in San Jose are under the US rate in this release, 2.5 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 Jose
In 2022-2023, 162 households filed a move from San Luis Obispo to San Jose (about 213 people, average adjusted gross income $81,185). 289 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $2,013 in San Luis Obispo and $3,011 in San Jose. San Luis Obispo has a state tax on wages. San Jose has a state tax on wages. Local pay in San Jose is 136% of the national level for the same work, against 88% in San Luis Obispo.
San Jose averages 257 sunny days, with July highs around 84°F and January nights around 42°F. San Luis Obispo is 263 sunny days, 101°F in July, 40°F in January. Commutes average 29 minutes in San Jose 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, 162 households moved San Luis Obispo → San Jose (about 213 people, average AGI $81,185). 289 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 Jose changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 140 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,850–$3,450
- Container or pod
- $1,250–$2,350
- Rent a truck
- $450–$850
Explore more
Dig into San Jose
Questions
Is San Jose cheaper than San Luis Obispo after tax and rent?
No. San Jose leaves about $1,445 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 $3,011 in San Jose.
Does San Jose have state income tax?
San Jose is in California, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from San Luis Obispo to San Jose?
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.