Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$73,685$6,140 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in San Luis Obispo, CA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: San Luis Obispo, CA
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,842 | $22,104 | $73,680 | 30% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $2,036 | $24,432 | $81,440 | 33.2% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $2,671 | $32,052 | $106,840 | 43.5% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $3,584 | $43,008 | $143,360 | 58.4% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $4,105 | $49,260 | $164,200 | 66.9% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in San Luis Obispo, CA
Based on the local median household income of $73,685/year ($6,140/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in California
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and California state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across California with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in San Luis Obispo, CA
What is the median household income in San Luis Obispo, CA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in San Luis Obispo, CA is $73,685 per year (approximately $6,140 per month).
What is the average rent in San Luis Obispo, CA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in San Luis Obispo, CA are $1,842 for a studio, $2,036 for 1 bedroom, $2,671 for 2 bedrooms, $3,584 for 3 bedrooms, and $4,105 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in San Luis Obispo, CA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in San Luis Obispo, CA is 108.6 (8.6% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in San Luis Obispo, CA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,671/month) in San Luis Obispo, CA requires a minimum gross household income of $106,840 per year ($8,903 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in San Luis Obispo, CA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $73,685/year ($6,140/month) in San Luis Obispo, CA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,070/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,842/month to discretionary spending, and $1,228/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in San Luis Obispo, CA?
Residential electricity rates in California average 34.7¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $313 per month.