Average Rent in San Luis Obispo, CA
Apartments & Houses by Size
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SanâŻLuisâŻObispo, nestled on Californiaâs Central Coast, blends a vibrant college-town atmosphere with a relaxed coastal charm. With the historic downtown plaza, the iconic Mission SanâŻLuisâŻObispo de Tolosa, and easy access to nearby beaches and wine country, the city attracts professionals, students, and families alike. Neighborhoods such as the walkable Creekside, familyâfriendly Baywood, and the upscale Madison Hills each offer distinct lifestyles, while the campusâadjacent area around CalâŻPoly provides a youthful, energetic vibe.
The local rental market reflects this diversity, offering both apartments and singleâfamily homes across a range of sizes. Studioâstyle rentals, whether in apartment complexes or detached houses, typically sit in the $1900s. Oneâbedroom units often fall within the $2400 range, making them a popular choice for young professionals and graduate students. Twoâbedroom offerings generally hover around $2800â$3000, providing ample space for small families or roommates. Larger threeâplus bedroom homes can command $4000 and above, with premium fourâplus bedroom houses approaching the $6000 bracket, especially in soughtâafter neighborhoods close to the downtown core and panoramic hillside views.
Renters in SanâŻLuisâŻObispo benefit from a wellârounded selection of amenities, from petâfriendly apartment communities near the lagoon to historic homes with spacious yards in the Orchard district. Proximity to outdoor recreationâhiking at Bishopâs Peak, surfing at Pismo Beach, or cycling along the coastal trailâenhances the quality of life, while a thriving arts scene and farmâtoâtable dining options keep the city lively yearâround. Whether youâre seeking the convenience of a downtown loft or the tranquility of a suburban house, SanâŻLuisâŻObispoâs rental landscape offers something for every lifestyle.
San Luis Obispo Rent by Property Type & Bedroom Count
Averages, medians, and ranges across recent rental listings
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min – Max | 25th – 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $1,797 | $1,500 | $900 – $2,810 | $1,250 – $2,521 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $2,054 | $2,300 | $579 – $3,630 | $910 – $2,650 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $2,944 | $3,000 | $999 – $4,400 | $2,550 – $3,450 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $3,849 | $3,950 | $1,350 – $6,200 | $3,200 – $4,200 |
| Apartment | 4+ Bedroom | $3,508 | $1,837 | $1,380 – $10,000 | $1,660 – $5,500 |
| House | Studio | $1,806 | $1,950 | $800 – $2,100 | $1,850 – $2,100 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $1,710 | $1,825 | $700 – $2,900 | $850 – $2,500 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $3,438 | $3,200 | $999 – $7,000 | $2,900 – $3,800 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $4,557 | $4,500 | $1,300 – $8,500 | $3,995 – $4,995 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $6,690 | $6,000 | $3,500 – $14,500 | $5,200 – $7,500 |
Current rent in San Luis Obispo (all property types): Studio $1,800, 1 Bedroom $1,989, 2 Bedroom $3,184, 3 Bedroom $4,473, 4+ Bedroom $5,784.
Map of City of San Luis Obispo
Outlined area shows the city boundary. Shaded regions show where rentals cluster.
About this data
Rent statistics, listings analysis, and visualizations on this page are produced by Rentometer, Inc.
If you cite, share, or republish data from this report, please credit Rentometer.