Can I Afford to Live in Charleston vs Bali (Canggu) 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.

Charleston, SC
$5,804/mo take-home
Rent: $1,900/mo (33% of take-home)
Manageable
Bali (Canggu), ID
$6,321/mo take-home
Rent: $700/mo (11% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Charleston
SC
Bali (Canggu)
ID
Monthly take-home (est.)
$5,804
$6,321Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,900
$700Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$376Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$55Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$162
$70Best ✓
Internet
$63
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$3,248/month
$4,991/month
Bali (Canggu) (Bali) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Charleston (SC rate: 6.2%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $100K a good salary in Charleston?

At $100K/year in Charleston, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,804. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 33% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Is $100K a good salary in Bali (Canggu)?

At $100K/year in Bali (Canggu), your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $700/month, rent takes up 11% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

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

Bali (Canggu) leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,991/month vs $3,248/month in Charleston.

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

Yes. At $100K in Charleston, rent takes 33% of your take-home, leaving $3,248/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Charleston vs Bali (Canggu)

$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