Can I Afford to Live in Cleveland vs Phnom Penh on $150K?

Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Cleveland, OH
$8,506/mo take-home
Rent: $1,250/mo (15% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Phnom Penh, KH
$8,944/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (4% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Cleveland
OH
Phnom Penh
KH
Monthly take-home (est.)
$8,506
$8,944Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,250
$350Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$369Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$72Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$168
$60Best ✓
Internet
$60
$40Best ✓
Left after essentials
$6,587/month
$7,964/month
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Cleveland (OH rate: 3.5%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $150K a good salary in Cleveland?

At $150K/year in Cleveland, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,506. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 15% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $150K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $150K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 4% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $7,964/month vs $6,587/month in Cleveland.

Can I afford to live alone in Cleveland on $150K?

Yes. At $150K in Cleveland, rent takes 15% of your take-home, leaving $6,587/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Cleveland vs Phnom Penh

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K

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