Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in San Luis Obispo County, California
San Luis Obispo County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,720 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,992 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $52.31 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,720
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 3% more than in California
- Typical rent
- $1,992
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% less than in California
- Wage needed
- $52.31
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $108,800 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 58%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% more than in California
Only here
Renting in San Luis Obispo County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Kern County, the typical rent is $1,300: 35% less than in San Luis Obispo County ($1,992).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in San Luis Obispo County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in San Luis Obispo County was $2,802 a month in September 2026: 2.9% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,894 | $36.42 | $75,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,079 | $39.98 | $83,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,720 | $52.31 | $108,800 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,634 | $69.88 | $145,360 |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,208 | $80.92 | $168,320 |
HUD area: San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 24 ZIP codes in San Luis Obispo County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,410 in 93430 to $3,720 in 93465. 13 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,720).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 93401 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $2,140 | $2,350 | $3,070 | $4,100 | $4,750 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93402 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,910 | $2,090 | $2,740 | $3,660 | $4,240 |
| 93405 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,960 | $2,160 | $2,820 | $3,770 | $4,360 |
| 93407 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,960 | $2,160 | $2,820 | $3,770 | $4,360 |
| 93408 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,960 | $2,160 | $2,820 | $3,770 | $4,360 |
| 93409 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,960 | $2,160 | $2,820 | $3,770 | $4,360 |
| 93410 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,960 | $2,160 | $2,820 | $3,770 | $4,360 |
| 93420 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $2,060 | $2,260 | $2,960 | $3,960 | $4,580 |
| 93422 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,820 | $2,000 | $2,610 | $3,490 | $4,040 |
| 93424 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,970 | $2,170 | $2,830 | $3,780 | $4,380 |
| 93428 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,870 | $2,050 | $2,680 | $3,580 | $4,150 |
| 93430 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,660 | $1,840 | $2,410 | $3,230 | $3,700 |
| 93432 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,970 | $2,170 | $2,840 | $3,790 | $4,390 |
| 93433 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,890 | $2,080 | $2,720 | $3,630 | $4,210 |
| 93442 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,800 | $1,970 | $2,580 | $3,450 | $3,990 |
| 93444 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $2,010 | $2,210 | $2,890 | $3,860 | $4,470 |
| 93445 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,660 | $1,840 | $2,410 | $3,230 | $3,700 |
| 93446 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,890 | $2,080 | $2,720 | $3,630 | $4,210 |
| 93449 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $2,240 | $2,460 | $3,220 | $4,300 | $4,980 |
| 93452 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,660 | $1,840 | $2,410 | $3,230 | $3,700 |
| 93453 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,860 | $2,040 | $2,670 | $3,570 | $4,130 |
| 93461 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $1,720 | $1,890 | $2,470 | $3,300 | $3,820 |
| 93461 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $1,720 | $1,890 | $2,470 | $3,300 | $3,820 |
| 93465 | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $2,590 | $2,840 | $3,720 | $4,970 | $5,750 |
- 93401 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $3,070$4,100
- 93402 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,740$3,660
- 93405 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,820$3,770
- 93407 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,820$3,770
- 93408 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,820$3,770
- 93409 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,820$3,770
- 93410 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,820$3,770
- 93420 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,960$3,960
- 93422 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,610$3,490
- 93424 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,830$3,780
- 93428 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,680$3,580
- 93430 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,410$3,230
- 93432 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,840$3,790
- 93433 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,720$3,630
- 93442 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,580$3,450
- 93444 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,890$3,860
- 93445 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,410$3,230
- 93446 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,720$3,630
- 93449 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $3,220$4,300
- 93452 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,410$3,230
- 93453 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,670$3,570
- 93461 · Bakersfield-Delano, CA $2,470$3,300
- 93461 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $2,470$3,300
- 93465 · San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $3,720$4,970
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In San Luis Obispo County, 58% of renter households are in that position; in California, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
58%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
41,517 households rent in San Luis Obispo County
- Spend half or more of their income 31%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 42%
Compared with the state and the country
- San Luis Obispo 58%
- California 55%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in San Luis Obispo County
HUD lists 53 properties with homes for low-income households in San Luis Obispo County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 46
- HUD-assisted
- 10
2,382 homes in all; 2,285 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Madonna Road Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1550 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo 93405 119 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2013
- San Luis Bay Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 206 Blume St, Nipomo 93444 120 homes, 116 low-income · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 60 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Villa Paseo Senior Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 2858 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles 93446 110 homes, 108 low-income · Studio: 6 · 1 bd: 100 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Cortina D Arroyo Grande Tax credit (LIHTC) 241 N Courtland St, Arroyo Grande 93420 108 homes, 107 low-income · 1 bd: 86 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Judson Terrace Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3000 Augusta St, San Luis Obispo 93401 107 homes, 101 low-income · Studio: 37 · 1 bd: 69 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2020 · For older adults · (805) 544-1600
- California Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 10165 El Camino Real, Atascadero 93422 95 homes, 93 low-income · 1 bd: 87 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2012
- Hidden Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 80 Cary St, Paso Robles 93446 81 homes, 80 low-income · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Hidden Creek Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 80 Cary St, Paso Robles 93446 81 homes, 80 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 31 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Oak Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 901 30th St, Paso Robles 93446 80 homes, 79 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 44 · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Oak Park 3 Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3120 Pine St, Paso Robles 93446 76 homes, 75 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Oak Park 4 Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3120 Pine St, Paso Robles 93446 75 homes, 74 low-income · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 34 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Oak Park Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3201 Pine St, Paso Robles 93446 70 homes, 69 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 21 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Canyon Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Oak Hill Rd, Paso Robles 93446 68 homes, 66 low-income · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 35 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Parkview Manor HUD-assisted 365 S Elm St, Arroyo Grande 93420 61 low-income homes · For older adults · (805) 489-5101
- Rolling Hills Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 971 Las Tablas Rd, Templeton 93465 53 homes, 52 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2011
- Roosevelt Family Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 750 Grande Ave, Nipomo 93444 52 homes, 51 low-income · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 28 · In service since 2009 · For families
- Iron Works Tax credit (LIHTC) 3680 Broad St, San Luis Obispo 93401 46 homes, 45 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Hacienda Del Norte Apts HUD-assisted 529 10th St, Paso Robles 93446 44 low-income homes · For older adults · (805) 238-5793
- Serenity Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 112 Brewer St, Templeton 93465 43 homes, 42 low-income · In service since 2008 · For families
- Village at Broad Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 2260 Emily St, San Luis Obispo 93401 42 homes, 41 low-income · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Del Rio Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2005 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo 93401 41 homes, 40 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Cider Village Family Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 760 Spruce Ln, Nipomo 93444 40 homes, 39 low-income · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Los Robles Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2940 Spring St, Paso Robles 93446 40 homes, 39 low-income · Studio: 10 · 1 bd: 30 · In service since 2018 · For older adults · (805) 239-1081
- Ocean View Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 456 Elena St, Morro Bay 93442 40 homes, 39 low-income · Studio: 9 · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2016 · For older adults, families · (805) 772-1921
- Courtland Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 S Courtland St, Arroyo Grande 93420 36 homes, 35 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Bishop Street Studios Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Bishop St, San Luis Obispo 93401 34 homes, 33 low-income · Studio: 8 · 1 bd: 26 · In service since 2019 · For people with disabilities
- Judson Terrace Lodge HUD-assisted 3042 Augusta St, San Luis Obispo 93401 32 homes, 31 low-income · For older adults · (805) 544-1600
- Brizzolara Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 611 Brizzolara St, San Luis Obispo 93401 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Rolling Hills II Tax credit (LIHTC) 999 Las Tablas Rd, Templeton 93465 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Lachen Tara Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 240 Ocean Oaks Ln, Avila Beach 93424 29 homes, 28 low-income · Studio: 8 · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 3 · In service since 2008
- Templeton Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1019 Peterson Ranch Rd, Templeton 93465 29 homes, 28 low-income · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Templeton Place aka Creekside Gardens HUD-assisted 401 Oak Hill Rd, Paso Robles 93446 29 homes, 28 low-income · For older adults · (805) 781-3088
- Cawelti Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 351 S Elm St, Arroyo Grande 93420 28 low-income homes · In service since 1996 · For older adults
- Villas at Higuera Tax credit (LIHTC) 3085 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo 93401 28 homes, 27 low-income · Studio: 6 · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Pismo Terrace HUD-assisted 855 4th St, Pismo Beach 93449 50 homes, 25 low-income · For families · (805) 556-9007
- Laurel Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1105 Laurel Ln, San Luis Obispo 93401 24 low-income homes · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Schoolhouse Lane Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2836 Schoolhouse Ln, Cambria 93428 24 low-income homes · In service since 1997 · For families
- Oceanside Gardens Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2612 Elm Ave, Morro Bay 93442 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · In service since 1996 · For older adults
- Morro del Mar Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 555 Main St, Morro Bay 93442 21 homes, 20 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Ironbark Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1102 Ironbark St, San Luis Obispo 93401 20 low-income homes · In service since 1995 · For families
- Oak Forest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 163 S Elm St, Arroyo Grande 93420 20 low-income homes · In service since 1997 · For families
- Poinsettia Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4035 Poinsettia St, San Luis Obispo 93401 20 low-income homes · In service since 1989 · For families
- 860 on the Wye Tax credit (LIHTC) 2775 Victoria Ave, San Luis Obispo 93401 20 homes, 19 low-income · Studio: 9 · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2017 · For people experiencing homelessness
- Halcyon Collective Tax credit (LIHTC) 224 S Halcyon Rd, Arroyo Grande 93420 20 homes, 19 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2020 · For families
- Atascadero Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 9705 El Camino Real, Atascadero 93422 19 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Carmel Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1312 Carmel St, San Luis Obispo 93401 19 homes, 18 low-income · 1 bd: 19 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Juniper Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 119 Juniper St, Arroyo Grande 93420 14 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Pismo Creek Bungalows Tax credit (LIHTC) 360 Park Ave, Pismo Beach 93449 14 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Templeton Place II HUD-assisted 1041 Peterson Ranch Rd, Templeton 93465 36 homes, 11 low-income · For older adults · (805) 369-6263
- Belridge Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1259 Belridge St, Oceano 93445 12 homes, 11 low-income · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Pismo-Buchon Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1363 Pismo St, San Luis Obispo 93401 11 homes, 10 low-income · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Sequoia Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 365 Sequoia St, Morro Bay 93442 11 homes, 10 low-income · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Dan Law Apts HUD-assisted 649 Branch St, San Luis Obispo 93401 9 low-income homes · For families · (805) 594-5311
3 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in San Luis Obispo County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in San Luis Obispo County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $32,100 | $53,500 | $85,700 |
| 2 people | $36,700 | $61,150 | $97,950 |
| 3 people | $41,300 | $68,800 | $110,200 |
| 4 people | $45,850 | $76,450 | $122,400 |
| 5 people | $49,550 | $82,550 | $132,200 |
| 6 people | $53,200 | $88,700 | $142,000 |
| 7 people | $56,900 | $94,800 | $151,800 |
| 8 people | $60,550 | $100,900 | $161,600 |
Area median income: $129,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,705 – $2,083
- 1 bedroom $1,871 – $2,287
- 2 bedrooms $2,448 – $2,992
- 3 bedrooms $3,271 – $3,997
- 4 bedrooms $3,787 – $4,629
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,766 vouchers (805) 543-4478 Housing Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo: mpedigo@haslo.org
- Housing Authority of the City of Paso Robles Public housing (805) 238-4015 Housing Authority of the City of Paso Robles: dcooke@pasoroblesha.org
Housing agencies in California Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in California
What California law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1 month of rent
- Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(c)(1), (c)(4)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 21 days
- Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 court days
- Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1161(2)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 or 60 days, depending on the case
- Cal. Civ. Code §1946.1(b), (c)
- Only a court order can remove youCal. Civ. Code §789.3
- Protection from retaliationCal. Civ. Code §1942.5
- Protection related to immigration statusCal. Civ. Code §1940.3
Help
Where to get help with rent in San Luis Obispo County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in San Luis Obispo County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in San Luis Obispo County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): energy bill help
Run by California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD)
One-time payment from the federal LIHEAP program in California to help with your heating or cooling bill, or if your service is about to be shut off
Limited funds remain, per the source
See details
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in San Luis Obispo County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in California, the average home bill was $161 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$5,440
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,720
- Security deposit
- $2,720
- Total
- $5,440
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in San Luis Obispo County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,894; 1 bedroom: $2,079; 2 bedrooms: $2,720; 3 bedrooms: $3,634; 4 bedrooms: $4,208. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in San Luis Obispo County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,720) without spending more than 30% of income takes $52.31 an hour full time, or $108,800 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in San Luis Obispo County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $76,450 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in San Luis Obispo County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $2,448 and $2,992 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in San Luis Obispo County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,410 in 93430 to $3,720 in 93465. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in San Luis Obispo County?
HUD lists 53 properties with homes for low-income households in San Luis Obispo County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in San Luis Obispo County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In San Luis Obispo County, 58% of renter households are in that position; in California, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).