Can I Afford to Live in Boston vs Bogotá 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.

Boston, MA
$6,655/mo take-home
Rent: $3,000/mo (45% of take-home)
Difficult
Bogotá, CO
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $550/mo (8% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Boston
MA
Bogotá
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,655
$7,155Best ✓
1BR rent
$3,000
$550Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$418
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$90Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$185
$55Best ✓
Internet
$70
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$2,892/month
$5,990/month
Bogotá (Cundinamarca) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Boston (MA rate: 5%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Boston?

At $120K/year in Boston, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,655. With 1BR rent around $3,000/month, rent takes up 45% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $120K a good salary in Bogotá?

At $120K/year in Bogotá, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $550/month, rent takes up 8% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?

Bogotá leaves you with more money after core expenses — $5,990/month vs $2,892/month in Boston.

Can I afford to live alone in Boston on $120K?

It's tight. Rent in Boston would take 45% of your $120K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Boston vs Bogotá

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$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