Can I Afford to Live in Austin vs Rochester on $80K?

Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Austin, TX
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $1,800/mo (36% of take-home)
Tight
Rochester, MN
$4,397/mo take-home
Rent: $1,400/mo (32% of take-home)
Manageable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Austin
TX
Rochester
MN
Monthly take-home (est.)
$5,057Best ✓
$4,397
1BR rent
$1,800
$1,400Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$372Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$50Best ✓
$55
Utilities
$170
$168Best ✓
Internet
$65
$62Best ✓
Left after essentials
$2,600/month
$2,332/month
Austin (Texas) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Rochester (MN rate: 9.9%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Austin?

At $80K/year in Austin, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Is $80K a good salary in Rochester?

At $80K/year in Rochester, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,397. With 1BR rent around $1,400/month, rent takes up 32% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?

Austin leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,600/month vs $2,332/month in Rochester.

Can I afford to live alone in Austin on $80K?

It's tight. Rent in Austin would take 36% of your $80K 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 Rochester

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