Can I Afford to Live in Austin vs Santa Fe 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.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Austin TX | Santa Fe NM |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $6,321 | $5,913 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,550 |
| Groceries (est.) | $372 | $376 |
| Transport (est.) | $50 | $40 |
| Utilities | $170 | $158 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $3,864/month | $3,724/month |
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 Santa Fe?
At $100K/year in Santa Fe, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,913. With 1BR rent around $1,550/month, rent takes up 26% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?
Austin leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,864/month vs $3,724/month in Santa Fe.
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%.
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