Can I Afford to Live in Austin vs Playa del Carmen on $100K?

Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Austin, TX
$6,321/mo take-home
Rent: $1,800/mo (28% of take-home)
Manageable
Playa del Carmen, MX
$6,321/mo take-home
Rent: $800/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Austin
TX
Playa del Carmen
MX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,321Best ✓
$6,321
1BR rent
$1,800
$800Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$372Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$50Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$170
$55Best ✓
Internet
$65
$35Best ✓
Left after essentials
$3,864/month
$4,901/month
Both Austin and Playa del Carmen have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $100K a good salary in Austin?

At $100K/year in Austin, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 28% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Is $100K a good salary in Playa del Carmen?

At $100K/year in Playa del Carmen, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $800/month, rent takes up 13% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?

Playa del Carmen leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,901/month vs $3,864/month in Austin.

Can I afford to live alone in Austin on $100K?

Yes. At $100K in Austin, rent takes 28% of your take-home, leaving $3,864/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Austin vs Playa del Carmen

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$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