2025 Compare Cities Overview:
San Luis Obispo, CA vs Santa Monica, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Monica older or younger than people in San Luis Obispo?
- The Median Age in Santa Monica is 15.4 years older than in San Luis Obispo.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Monica or San Luis Obispo?
- Santa Monica housing costs are 77.7% more expensive than San Luis Obispo housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Monica or San Luis Obispo?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Monica is 11.0 minutes longer than it is for residents of San Luis Obispo.

Things to do in San Luis Obispo?
San Luis Obispo, California is located on the Central Coast and offers stunning views of rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean. It's a great place to live with its temperate climate, excellent restaurants and unique shops. Every year locals flock to the famous Thursday night Farmer’s Market or to outdoor festivals like the SLO County Fair. For outdoor activities there are plenty of parks and trails plus beaches for surfing and swimming.

Things to do in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica, California is a vibrant beach city located in Los Angeles County. This popular destination offers something for everyone, from world-class shopping and dining to outdoor activities like surfing and biking along the beachside path. Cultural attractions like the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the nearby Getty Villa make it easy to explore the area's history and art. Nightlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the countless bars, nightclubs, and lounges scattered throughout town. With its many attractions and activities, Santa Monica is sure to make your vacation unforgettable!

 San Luis Obispo, CASanta Monica, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock92,828329,725,481
 Median Income$61,862  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$932,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.16  Unlock26.38
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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Reviews for Santa Monica    24 Reviews

I moved here to Santa Monica over 10 years ago from Oklahoma City. I was surprised to see that Oklahoma City was ranked higher than Santa Monica on best places. I  More

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I've lived in Santa Monica for over 30 years. It's a Mediterranean climate--sunny and temperate when the rest of the country is under snow! I am walking distance to  More

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I have lived in this city for 4 decades, and it is never been worse than it is now. It is a dangerous disgusting hell hole. Between the crime, the homeless that are not  More

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