El Centro vs San Luis Obispo
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
El Centro is 95% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $834/mo vs $1,623/mo in San Luis Obispo — saving $9,468/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | El Centro | San Luis Obispo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $556 | $1,065 | $509 |
| 1 Bedroom | $706 | $1,360 | $654 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $834 | $1,623 | $789 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,056 | $2,039 | $983 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,186 | $2,372 | $1,186 |
| Median Income | $50,743 | $94,761 | $44,018 |
El Centro
- Studio
- $556/mo
- 1 BR
- $706/mo
- 2 BR
- $834/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,056/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,186/mo
- Median Income
- $50,743/yr
San Luis Obispo
- Studio
- $1,065/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,360/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,623/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,039/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,372/mo
- Median Income
- $94,761/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Centro or San Luis Obispo cheaper to rent in?
El Centro is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $834/mo vs $1,623/mo in San Luis Obispo. That's $789/mo or $9,468/year more expensive in San Luis Obispo (95% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in El Centro vs San Luis Obispo?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in El Centro is $834/month. In San Luis Obispo, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,623/month.
How do incomes compare between El Centro and San Luis Obispo?
The median household income in El Centro is $50,743/year. In San Luis Obispo it is $94,761/year. San Luis Obispo has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in El Centro vs San Luis Obispo?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in El Centro is $556/mo. In San Luis Obispo it is $1,065/mo.