Can I Afford to Live in Amsterdam vs Trenton on $120K?
Here's how a $120K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Amsterdam NL | Trenton NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,800 | $6,255 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,700 |
| Groceries (est.) | $380 | $395 |
| Transport (est.) | $150 | $80 |
| Utilities | $110 | $215 |
| Internet | $40 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $2,320/month | $3,797/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $120K a good salary in Amsterdam?
At $120K/year in Amsterdam, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,800. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 38% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $120K a good salary in Trenton?
At $120K/year in Trenton, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,255. With 1BR rent around $1,700/month, rent takes up 27% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?
Trenton leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,797/month vs $2,320/month in Amsterdam.
Can I afford to live alone in Amsterdam on $120K?
It's tight. Rent in Amsterdam would take 38% of your $120K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only