Essentials
- City
- San Luis Obispo (SLO), California, United States
- Population
- Approximately 47,500
- Internet Speed
- High speed available via Spectrum or AT&T Fiber; average 150-400 Mbps
- Currency & Banking
- US Dollar (USD). Major banks: Wells Fargo (740 Higuera St), Chase (1000 Marsh St)
- Tap Water
- Drinkable and high quality (City of SLO utility)
- Power
- 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets
- SIM Card
- Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile; available at stores in Madonna Plaza
- Banking for Expats
- Wise (online), Revolut (online), or local credit unions like SESLOC
- Accommodation
- Boutique hotels, Airbnb, and student housing; look for 'The Hub' for modern units
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes, cards and Apple Pay accepted almost everywhere
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb and VRBO. Average monthly stay: $3,500 - $5,500
- Budget Accommodation
- Hostel SLO (1212 Higuera St) - rates approx. $50/night for bunks
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Downtown SLO (near Higuera St and Mission Plaza)
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Railroad District or neighborhoods near Cal Poly for walkable coffee shops
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- The Sandbox SLO (880 Railroad Ave); Day pass $25, Monthly $250
- Best Cafe for Work
- Scout Coffee Co. (1130 Garden St) or Linnaea's Cafe (1110 Garden St)
- Networking Events
- SLO Chamber of Commerce 'Insight' events; SLO New Tech Meetups
- Social Events for Expats
- SloCal Facebook groups and weekly Farmers Market social mixing
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- Uber and Lyft are both widely available
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Art's Cyclery or Bolt (e-scooters available in designated zones)
- Best Beach Nearby
- Avila Beach (15 mins drive) or Pismo Beach (20 mins drive)
- Top Regional Airline
- United Express or American Eagle via SLO County Regional Airport (SBP)
- Top International Airline
- United or Alaska Airlines (connecting via SFO or LAX)
- Highway Access
- Direct access to Highway 101 and scenic Highway 1
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- SLO Amtrak Station (1011 Railroad Ave) - Pacific Surfliner line
- Public Transport Passes
- SLO Transit; Regional Pass approx. $3.00 for a day pass
- Regional Travel
- RTA Buses connect to Morro Bay and Paso Robles
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- French Hospital Medical Center (1911 Johnson Ave)
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Spark Yoga (977 Foothill Blvd); Drop-in $25
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Kennedy Club Fitness (188 Tank Farm Rd); Day pass $20
- Laundry Services
- Slo-Wash Laundry (1482 Monterey St)
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- DoorDash and UberEats have the most local restaurant coverage
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Tri-Tip Sandwich from Old San Luis BBQ Co. ($14.00)
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Ziggy’s (1227 Broad St) - Plant-based burgers and tacos
- Best Dessert Spots
- Madonna Inn Copper Cafe (100 Madonna Rd) for Pink Champagne Cake
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Grocery Outlet (1314 Madonna Rd) for budget groceries
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Amazon (Central Coast hub for fast delivery); Walmart.com
- Grocery Delivery
- Instacart (Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Vons coverage)
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Higuera Street (The Library, Frog & Peach Pub)
- Local Brewery
- SLO Brew Rock (855 Aerovista Ln); try the 'Slo Jam' IPA
- Wine Bars
- Region (979 Morro St) - features 25+ local wineries in one spot
- Street Food Stalls
- Thursday Night Farmers' Market (Higuera Street)
- Popular International Cuisine
- Goshi Japanese Restaurant (722 Higuera St) for authentic sushi
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (founded 1772); Bubblegum Alley
- Museums & Art Venues
- SLO Museum of Art (SLOMA) at Mission Plaza
- Historical Sites
- Dallidet Adobe & Gardens (1185 Pacific St)
- Religious Sites
- Old Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
- Annual Events
- SLO International Film Festival (March); Festival Mozaic (July)
- Cultural Districts
- The Downtown Cultural Corridor
- Theater Venues
- Fremont Theater (Art Deco style) for live music and films
- Local Markets
- Thursday Night Farmers' Market - huge street festival every week
- Music Scene
- The Rock (SLO Brew) and SLO Brew Lofts
- Street Art
- Murals along Higuera Street and the Utility Box Art program
- Cooking Classes
- Central Coast Culinary (various pop-up locations)
- Art Galleries
- Anisq'Oyo' Park art walks; Gallery Without Walls
- Historic Buildings
- San Luis Obispo County Courthouse (976 Osos St)
- Local Heritage
- The 'Seven Sisters' volcanic peaks (Morros)
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Bishop Peak - popular hike with panoramic views
- National Parks Nearby
- Pinnacles National Park (2 hours north)
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Bob Jones City-to-the-Sea Trail starting near Ontario Rd
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Terrace Hill for a 360-degree view of the city at sunset
- Birdwatching Locations
- Morro Bay Estuary (15 mins drive)
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Old Port Beach (near Avila) - public fire rings available
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- FedEx Office (1301 Broad St); UPS Store (Johnson Ave)
- Tech Repair Services
- Mainboard (864 Monterey St) for Mac/PC repair
- Table Tennis Spots
- Ludwick Community Center (864 Santa Rosa St)
- Language Classes
- Cuesta College Community Programs
- Libraries & Study Spots
- SLO City-County Library (995 Palm St)
- Community Centers
- SLO Guild Hall (2880 Broad St)
- Gaming Lounges
- BA START Arcade & Taproom (645 Higuera St)
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Central Coast Casino (Grover Beach - 15 mins away)
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $10,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $420,000)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $8,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $328,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $9,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $588,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $450,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $9,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $720,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $7,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $560,000)
- Corporate Tax
- 21% (Federal) + 8.84% (California State)
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- Depends on treaty; standard is 30% for non-residents
- Tax System
- Worldwide income basis for US citizens/green card holders
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 37% (Federal) + 13.3% (California)
- VAT
- None; Sales Tax is 8.75% in San Luis Obispo
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, strict federal GILTI and Subpart F rules
- Property Tax
- Yes, California Proposition 13 limits base to approx. 1.1% of value
- Property Transaction Tax
- Documentary Transfer Tax (approx. $1.10 per $1,000)
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- No; California is a high-tax jurisdiction for residents