Sacramento vs San Luis Obispo: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,341 | $76,783▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.34 | $36.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,775▲ | $48,833 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,506▲ | $59,211 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,450 | $105,396▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,483 | $141,932▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,710▲ | 60 |
Verdict
San Luis Obispo, CA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Luis Obispo is $7,442 (10.73%). San Luis Obispo's median is -4.49% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $55,708,San Luis Obispo spans $93,099. San Luis Obispo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Luis Obispo ($70,705 effective) pays 8.77% more than Sacramento ($65,005 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,710 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Luis Obispo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,783/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,932)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,705)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Sacramento grew -17.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -28.0% growth in San Luis Obispo over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$80,180 (2021) → $66,368 (2025)
San Luis Obispo, CA
$102,090 (2021) → $73,491 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Sacramento or San Luis Obispo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Luis Obispo?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Sacramento vs San Luis Obispo?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov