2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Petaluma, CA vs San Luis Obispo, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Luis Obispo or is it cheaper to live in Petaluma?
- San Luis Obispo is 3.8% less expensive than Petaluma.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Luis Obispo or Petaluma?
- San Luis Obispo housing costs are 0.4% more expensive than Petaluma housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Petaluma or is Health Care more affordable in San Luis Obispo.
- Health related expenses are 1.3% less in San Luis Obispo.
 Petaluma, CASan Luis Obispo, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock146.1100
 Food & Groceries110.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock108.9100
 Housing281.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$932,400$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock83.8100
 Miscellaneous153.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

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We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

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I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

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Reviews for San Luis Obispo    21 Reviews

MY FIANCEE AND I ARE LOOKING TO MOVE TO SLO FOR RETIREMENT ( NEXT MONTH ) WE ARE BOTH ARTISTS AND HOPE OUR TALENT WILL HELP WITH COST OF LIVING IN SLO!!! ANY  More

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Over 10 years ago

In almost any season of the year in San Luis Obispo, you’ll find the sun shining and the temperature hitting around 70º at some point in the day. With the temperature  More

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San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas are beautiful, great weather, beaches, farms markets, a downtown area full of some of the best bars and restaurants, wine country,  More

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