Can I Afford to Live in Austin vs Lima on $75K?

Here's how a $75K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Austin, TX
$4,741/mo take-home
Rent: $1,800/mo (38% of take-home)
Tight
Lima, PE
$4,741/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (11% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Austin
TX
Lima
PE
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,741Best ✓
$4,741
1BR rent
$1,800
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$372Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$50Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$170
$55Best ✓
Internet
$65
$25Best ✓
Left after essentials
$2,284/month
$3,631/month
Both Austin and Lima have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $75K a good salary in Austin?

At $75K/year in Austin, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,741. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 38% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Is $75K a good salary in Lima?

At $75K/year in Lima, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,741. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 11% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $75K salary?

Lima leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,631/month vs $2,284/month in Austin.

Can I afford to live alone in Austin on $75K?

It's tight. Rent in Austin would take 38% of your $75K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Austin vs Lima

$40K$50K$60K$80K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

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