Can I Afford to Live in Bucharest vs Austin 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.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Bucharest RO | Austin TX |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,390 | $5,057 |
| 1BR rent | $600 | $1,800 |
| Groceries (est.) | $380 | $372 |
| Transport (est.) | $150 | $50 |
| Utilities | $85 | $170 |
| Internet | $15 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $3,160/month | $2,600/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Bucharest?
At $80K/year in Bucharest, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,390. With 1BR rent around $600/month, rent takes up 14% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
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.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
Bucharest leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,160/month vs $2,600/month in Austin.
Can I afford to live alone in Bucharest on $80K?
Yes. At $80K in Bucharest, rent takes 14% of your take-home, leaving $3,160/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