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

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Luis Obispo or is it cheaper to live in Smith River?
- San Luis Obispo is 56.6% more expensive than Smith River.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Luis Obispo or Smith River?
- San Luis Obispo housing costs are 132.3% more expensive than Smith River housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Smith River or is Health Care more affordable in San Luis Obispo.
- Health related expenses are 8.6% less in San Luis Obispo.
 Smith River, CASan Luis Obispo, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock146.1100
 Food & Groceries100.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock108.9100
 Housing121.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$932,400$338,100
 Utilities70  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock83.8100
 Miscellaneous109.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Smith River    1 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

Drove into 'metro' Smith River four days ago and the population sign said 2021! Way different number than 866? When did Sperling's Best Places get the  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Smith River

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Luis Obispo


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.